Budget Amendment ID: FY2015-S4-727-R1

Redraft EHS 727

Interagency Council on Substance Abuse and Prevention

Mr. Wolf moved that the proposed new text be amended <w:p><w:r><w:t xml:space="preserve">moved that the bill be amended by inserting after section 19 the following section: -

“SECTION 19A. Chapter 17 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 19 the following section:-

Section 20. (a) There shall be an interagency council on substance abuse and prevention. The council shall: (i) support the efforts of the department of public health to supervise, coordinate and establish standards for the operation of substance use prevention and treatment services; (ii) oversee implementation of initiatives and programs that effectively direct the existing resources and minimize the impact of substance abuse; (iii) develop and recommend formal policies and procedures for the coordination and efficient utilization of programs and resources across state agencies and secretariats; (iv) develop an annual report and submit to the governor, on or before November 30 of each year, all activities of the council and recommend further efforts and resource needs; and (v) review the role and functions of the advisory council on alcoholism and the drug rehabilitation advisory board and recommend changes, as necessary.

(b) The council shall consist of the following members or their designees: the secretary of health and human services who shall serve as chair; the secretary of public safety; the secretary of elder affairs; the secretary of veterans affairs; the commissioner of education; the commissioner of correction; the chair of the parole board; the commissioner of probation; the commissioner of public health; the commissioner of youth services; the commissioner of mental health; the commissioner of developmental services; the commissioner of the Massachusetts rehabilitation commission; the commissioner of transitional assistance; the commissioner of children and families; the commissioner of the center for health information and analysis; the commissioner for the deaf and hard of hearing; the commissioner of early education and care; the assistant commissioner of public health for substance abuse services; the director of Medicaid; a representative of the juvenile court; a representative of the superior court; a representative of the district court; a representative of the governor's office; 1 private citizen who is recovering from substance abuse problems who shall be appointed by the governor; 1 member appointed by the president of the senate; 1 member appointed by the speaker of the house; 1 member appointed by the senate minority leader; 1 member appointed by the house minority leader; and other appropriate representatives as determined by the governor. The council may appoint an executive director to perform administrative functions and advocate on behalf of the council. All members shall serve without compensation in an advisory capacity.

(c) The council shall meet at least 4 times annually and shall establish task groups, meetings, forums and any other activity deemed necessary to carry out its mandate.

(d) The council shall establish an executive committee composed of at least 11 members who shall meet on a bi-monthly basis to provide guidance on the recommendations of the council. At minimum, the executive committee shall be comprised of the following members or their designees: the secretary of health and human services; the secretary of public safety; the commissioner of public health; the commissioner of children and families; the commissioner of correction; the commissioner of mental health; the commissioner of youth services; the director of Medicaid; the assistant commissioner of public health for substance abuse services; and at least 2 additional members from the council.

(e) All affected agencies, departments and boards of the commonwealth shall fully cooperate with the council. The council may call and rely upon the expertise and services of individuals and entities outside of its membership for research, advice, support or other functions necessary and appropriate to further accomplish its mission.”