HB 1784-S - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Supports recommendations made in the study of the public mental health system for children conducted by the joint legislative audit and review committee.

Expects the department of social and health services and the office of the superintendent of public instruction to work diligently within available funds to implement these recommendations, which include the following: (1) The department shall identify cross-agency business operation issues that limit the agency's ability to meet statutory intent to coordinate existing categorical children's mental health programs and funding;

(2) The department shall collect reliable mental health cost, service, and outcome data specific to children. This information must be used to identify best practices and costs of services;

(3) The department shall revise the early periodic screening diagnosis and treatment plan to reflect current mental health system structure;

(4) The department and the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall jointly identify school districts where mental health and education systems coordinate services and resources to provide public mental health care for children. These agencies shall work together to share information about these approaches with other school districts, regional support networks, and state agencies.

Directs the department of social and health services to collect and analyze mental health cost, service, and outcome data specific to children. The information produced by the analysis of this data shall be used to promote a consistent, efficient, and effective statewide public mental health system for children.