Bill > SB144

This bill proposes to change the name of the "mental health oversight advisory council" to the "behavioral health advisory council" while maintaining its existing structure and responsibilities. The advisory council, which is part of Montana's public mental health care system, will continue to provide input to the Department of Public Health and Human Services in developing and managing mental health services. The council's membership will remain diverse, consisting of half consumer representatives (including people with serious mental illnesses, current and former service recipients, and their family members) and half advocates, providers, legislators, and department representatives. The bill emphasizes that geographic representation should be considered when appointing members to ensure broad representation. The council's role includes helping to develop outcome and performance measures for mental health services, supporting local advisory councils, and potentially fulfilling federal advisory council requirements for funding purposes. While the name is changing from "mental health" to "behavioral health," the core function and composition of the advisory council remain fundamentally the same.

Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2086