Bill > HB589

This bill revises the appointment process and composition of the State Board of Mental Health in Mississippi. The key changes include reducing the number of members appointed from each congressional district from three to one, and adding five state-at-large members with specific professional requirements (including a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist, a medical doctor, and a social worker with mental health experience). The bill modifies the board members' terms, establishing staggered terms ranging from 2026 to 2032, with subsequent appointments being seven-year terms. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for Senate confirmation of the Executive Director of the State Department of Mental Health and eliminates the previous four-year term requirement for this position. The changes aim to create a more flexible and professionally diverse board composition while streamlining the appointment process. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes provisions to grandfather in current board members and their term calculations.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0589.xml