53-1-711. Scope of 2-1-1 service. (1) The statewide 2-1-1 system shall ensure provision of services in all counties of the state.

(2) The statewide 2-1-1 system must be administered by the department. The department shall approve a strategic plan for service delivery and divide the state into no more than eight regions.

(3) The statewide 2-1-1 system shall ensure that all approved 2-1-1 service providers provide the following scope of service:

(a) provide information and referral services to each inquirer for the inquirer's designated geographic area through well-trained staff or volunteers who are knowledgeable about local resources;

(b) create and maintain a database of community resources and referrals for the service provider's designated geographic area;

(c) provide appropriate services to crisis callers, which include stabilization or safety assessment and connection to further resources such as crisis lines, domestic violence shelters, and rape victim advocates;

(d) provide information to the department regarding 2-1-1 service usage, including data on callers, service needs, and resource gaps;

(e) provide support to community and disaster and emergency services providers in the case of a disaster or emergency; and

(f) participate in any publicity plan for the statewide 2-1-1 system in Montana.