Inspector General-MHMR Facilities

Item 305 #7c

Language
Page 200, line 3, strike "$600,716" and insert "$710,716".
Page 200, line 3, strike "$604,680" and insert "$714,680".
Page 200, after line 28, insert:
"C.1.  Out of this appropriation, $110,000 the first year and $110,000 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 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.  
2.  It is the intent of the General Assembly that this position or contract be established on a pilot basis to determine its utility and effectiveness in providing permanent oversight for the improvement of the current system of 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 funds for an inspector position or contractual services, to provide oversight of the fifteen state mental health and mental retardation facilities on a pilot basis. The position or contractor would report to the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and to the Governor. The Secretary would report to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees on the impact of this oversight function.)