Inspector General-mental health/mental retardation facilities

Item 305 #2h

Language
Page 200, line 3, strike "$600,716" and insert "$700,716".
Page 200, line 3, strike "$604,680" and insert "$704,680".
Page 200, after line 28, insert:
"B. Out of this appropriation, $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year shall be provided from the general fund for the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to hire or contract for the services of an inspector to provide oversight of the implementation of activities undertaken by the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation to comply with requirements under the federal Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act at the fifteen mental health and mental retardation facilities.  
It is the intent of the General Assembly that this position or contract be established to provide oversight on a pilot basis to determine its utility in providing oversight to improve the current system of care and its effectiveness in bringing about positive changes in the patient care at state mental hospitals and training centers.  The Secretary of Health and Human Resources shall report to the chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees, by January 1 of each year, on the activities and impact of the inspector on improving patient care at state facilities."

Explanation
(This amendment provides oversight of the fifteen state mental health and mental retardation facilities on a pilot basis through the establishment of an inspector position or contractual services. The position or contractor will report directly to the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and to the Governor and the Secretary will report back to the money committees on the impact of this oversight function.)