HB 1784-S2 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Affirms support for: Improving field-level cross-program collaboration and efficiency; collecting reliable mental health cost, service, and outcome data specific to children; revising the early periodic screening diagnosis and treatment plan to reflect the current mental health system structure; and identifying and promulgating the approaches used in school districts where mental health and education systems coordinate services and resources to provide public mental health care for children.

Supports recommendations made in the August 2002 study of the public mental health system for children conducted by the joint legislative audit and review committee.

Declares that the department shall, within available funds: (1) Identify internal business operation issues that limit the agency's ability to meet legislative intent to coordinate existing categorical children's mental health programs and funding;

(2) Collect reliable mental health cost, service, and outcome data specific to children. This information must be used to identify best practices and methods of improving fiscal management; and

(3) Revise the early periodic screening diagnosis and treatment plan to reflect the mental health system structure in place on the effective date of this act and thereafter revise the plan as necessary to conform to subsequent changes in the structure.

Provides that, in addition to any follow-up requirements prescribed by the joint legislative audit and review committee, the department of social and health services shall submit a report to the legislature on the status of the implementation of the recommendations provided in this act, which are due to be implemented by January 2004. An electronic implementation status report must be submitted to appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the legislature by June 1, 2006.