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2000 SESSION

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SB 731 MHMRSAS Trust Fund, Commissioner to develop programs and report.

Introduced by: Stephen H. Martin | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services Trust Fund. Establishes the Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Trust Fund for the net proceeds of the sale of vacant buildings held by the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services (DMHMRSAS). The fund shall also consist of such moneys as shall be appropriated by the General Assembly and any private donations. The fund is administered by the Commissioner of DMHMRSAS. Moneys in the fund are to be used to enhance and ensure the quality of care and treatment provided to consumers of the Commonwealth's mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse services. The proceeds from the sale of any vacant DMHMRSAS buildings and land are to be first used to (i) deliver mental health and other services within the same service area as where such sold buildings and land were located; and (ii) provide benefits to those persons who will no longer be employees of the Commonwealth as a result of such sale. The bill also requires the Commissioner of DMHMRSAS to develop a comprehensive plan for the restructuring of the Commonwealth's mental health care programs and facilities and to provide the final plan by December 15, 2000, to the Governor and enumerated members of the General Assembly. Any restructuring plan or proposed sale of a facility shall be approved by the General Assembly.

SUMMARY AS PASSED SENATE:

Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services Trust Fund. Establishes the Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Trust Fund for the net proceeds of the sale of vacant buildings held by the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services (DMHMRSAS). The Fund shall also consist of such moneys as shall be appropriated by the General Assembly and any private donations. The fund is administered by the Commissioner of DMHMRSAS. Moneys in the fund are to be used to enhance and ensure the quality of care and treatment provided to consumers of the Commonwealth's mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse services. The proceeds from the sale of any vacant DMHMRSAS buildings and land are to be first used to (i) deliver mental health and other services within the same service area as where such vacant buildings and land were located; and (ii) provide benefits to those persons who will no longer be employees of the Commonwealth as a result of such sale. The bill also requires the Commissioner of DMHMRSAS to develop a comprehensive plan for the restructuring of the Commonwealth's mental health care programs and facilities and to provide the final plan by December 15, 2000.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services Trust Fund. Establishes the Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Trust Fund for the net proceeds of the sale of Eastern State Hospital and the land, or portions thereof, upon which it is located; the sale of other vacant buildings held by the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services (DMHMRSAS); and any savings resulting from the sale and restructuring of Eastern State Hospital or other properties. The Fund shall be administered by a 15-member Board of Trustees, consisting of (i) 12 citizen members appointed by the Governor and General Assembly and (ii) the Commissioner of DMHMRSAS who shall serve as chairman, the State Treasurer, and an employee of Eastern State Hospital appointed by the Commissioner. The Board shall include at least three members who are consumers or family members of consumers at Eastern State Hospital; at least three members who represent James City County, Williamsburg and the greater Hampton Roads area; and at least three members who represent statewide consumer and advocacy organizations. The Board of Trustees shall make recommendations to assist DMHMRSAS in (i) restructuring Eastern State Hospital and (ii) increasing the quality and availability of services within the Commonwealth. The bill authorizes the Commissioner to develop and implement a plan for the restructuring of Eastern State Hospital in coordination with the Board of Trustees. Such plan shall include the development of improved facilities to provide treatment for the long-term and geriatric patients and the development of community based services for patients receiving acute care at Eastern State Hospital. The bill contains technical amendments.