Bill > S1154

This bill aims to protect children's mental health services by establishing a statewide children's mental health ombuds program. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Defining "mental health disorder" as any mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) that substantially interferes with or limits a child's or adolescent's functioning and social interactions. 2. Expanding the role of the child advocate to oversee the children's mental health ombuds program, which will advocate on behalf of children with mental health disorders, identify barriers to effective treatment, monitor compliance with relevant laws and policies, and investigate and resolve complaints about violations or adverse effects on children's health, safety, welfare, or rights. 3. Requiring the child advocate to designate a qualified staff member to lead the ombuds program, establish policies and procedures for the program, and regularly report on the program's activities, findings, and recommendations to various government agencies and legislative committees. 4. Authorizing the child advocate to promulgate regulations and establish policies and procedures necessary for the children's mental health ombuds program to perform its required activities. The overall goal of the bill is to enhance the monitoring, advocacy, and oversight of children's mental health services in the state to better protect the rights and well-being of children with mental health disorders.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1154