Bill > HB347

This bill modifies the appointment process for the State Board of Mental Health and the requirements for the Executive Director of the State Department of Mental Health. Specifically, it changes the composition of the Board by reducing the number of members appointed from each congressional district to one and increasing the number of members appointed from the state at large to five, with specific qualifications required for four of those at-large members, including a psychiatrist, a licensed clinical psychologist, a medical doctor, and a social worker experienced in mental health. The bill also revises the term lengths for board members and clarifies the term limits, ensuring that current board members are not immediately affected by these changes. Additionally, it removes the requirement for the Executive Director of the Department of Mental Health to be confirmed by the Senate and to serve a fixed term, while updating the minimum qualifications for this position to a master's degree and ten years of administrative experience in mental health.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0347.xml