Amendment #845 to H4100

Department of Mental Health - Study

Representatives Sullivan of Fall River, Cabral of New Bedford, Aguiar of Fall River, Koczera of New Bedford, Schmid of Westport, Markey of Dartmouth, Straus of Mattapoisett and O'Connell of Taunton move to amend the bill in section 2, in item 5059-0015 by adding the following: "There is hereby established a special commission to conduct an investigation and study of the mental health services available to the residents in each region of the commonwealth. The department of mental health shall take no action to reduce or transfer any continuing care beds from any state inpatient facility and shall maintain the appropriate level of clinical and support staff associated with these beds until the commission’s report is filed with the general court. The commission shall consist of the following members: the chairs of the joint committee on mental health and substance abuse, who shall serve as co-chairs; 2 members of the joint committee on mental health and substance abuse appointed by the co-chairs; 1 member of the house of representatives appointed by the minority leader; 1 member of the senate appointed by the minority leader; 1 member appointed by the governor; and 1 representative from each of the following organizations: the Association for Behavioral Healthcare; the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems; the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society; the Massachusetts Nurses Association; the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts; and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The commission shall convene its first official meeting no later than August 1, 2012. The investigation and study shall include, but not be limited to, a comprehensive review and evaluation of the commonwealth’s inpatient system, network of community based services and supports, and the continuum of care in all regions. The commission shall file a report of the results of its investigation and study and recommendations together with any drafts of legislation necessary to carry its recommendations into effect by filing the same with the clerks of the house of representatives and senate, who shall forward the same to the house and senate committee on ways and means and the joint committee on mental health and substance abuse and the joint committee on health care financing, on or before December 28, 2012.”