A. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services proceed in transforming its system of care into a model that embodies best practices and state-of-the art services.  The consumer-driven system of services and supports shall promote self-determination, empowerment, recovery, resilience, health, and the highest possible level of consumer participation in all aspects of community life. The transformed system shall include investments in a suitable array and adequate quantity of community-based services, with an emphasis on consumer choice and the appropriate use of facility resources. State facilities shall be redesigned to ensure high quality care, efficient operation, and capacity necessary for persons most in need of such care. Amounts authorized herein, and in related legislation, shall be used to support the transformation of the system of care and to promote the provision of mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse services in the most efficient and appropriate setting.  The Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services may consider the use of public-private partnerships to deliver mental health and mental retardation services as part of the comprehensive mental health and mental retardation system of care, in facilities that are being planned for renovation or replacement.   These partnerships may include contracts with private entities for facility operations, unless the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services can demonstrate that continued state operation of the facility is at least as cost effective and provides at least an equivalent or higher level quality care than operation by a private entity.

B. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, effective July 1, 2009, the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services shall be known as the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. All references to the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services found in this chapter shall be assumed to mean the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. All references to mental retardation shall be assumed to mean intellectual disability.