Bill > HB2513

This bill requires the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to designate a highly qualified individual to specifically implement and oversee the requirements of a consent decree from a legal case (Briggs et al v. Friesen et al). The designated individual must have advanced medical or psychological credentials, including a doctoral degree, specialty certification in forensic psychiatry or psychology, specific knowledge of Oklahoma's criminal justice system, and recent experience in competency evaluations. The designee will have extensive authority, including designing and managing Forensic Services, reporting directly to the Department Commissioner and the Oklahoma Legislature, having hiring and firing power over forensic staff, controlling budgets related to the consent decree, and being responsible for policies, training, communication with courts and jails, and forensic-related legislation. The designee will also collaborate with federally approved monitors, have unrestricted access to departmental data and systems, and be required to prepare detailed budgets and regular reports for the Legislature. The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2513&Session=2600