BILL ANALYSIS
SB 1770
Page 1
SENATE THIRD READING
SB 1770 (Chesbro)
As Amended August 7, 2000
Majority vote
SENATE VOTE :22-11
HEALTH 12-3 APPROPRIATIONS 14-6
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|Ayes:|Gallegos, Bates, Corbett, |Ayes:|Migden, Alquist, Aroner, |
| |Cox, Firebaugh, Kuehl, | |Cedillo, Corbett, Davis, |
| |Thomson, Vincent, Wayne, | |Kuehl, Papan, Romero, |
| |Wesson, Wildman, Zettel | |Shelley, Thomson, Wesson, |
| | | |Wiggins, Wright |
| | | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
|Nays:|Aanestad, Granlund, |Nays:|Campbell, Ackerman, |
| |Runner | |Ashburn, Brewer, |
| | | |Maldonado, Zettel |
| | | | |
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SUMMARY : Requires the Department of Mental Health (DMH) to
issue a request for proposals (RFP) in order to establish and
expand empowerment programs for mental health clients and their
family members, as specified. Specifically, this bill :
1)Requires DMH to issue an RFP in order to establish and expand
empowerment programs for mental health clients and their
family members by no later than September 1 in any year in
which funds are provided in the annual Budget Act for this
purpose. Requires DMH to implement the RFP and award grants
in consultation with a working group, as specified.
2)Provides that proposals solicited under this bill be submitted
by any county or multiple county mental health department(s)
in partnership with local organizations, as specified.
Specifies information that each proposal is required to
include and information each proposal may include.
3)Requires DMH to make grants to county mental health
departments on the basis of proposals meeting the criteria set
forth in this bill.
4)Requires DMH, in consultation with the working group, to
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develop a process by which grantees submit reports in order to
assure the appropriate monitoring and oversight occurs.
Requires DHS to use these reports to provide information to
the Legislature, by April 1 in each year programs are funded,
regarding the implementation of the programs established by
this bill.
5)Makes specified findings and declarations regarding mental
health services in California.
6)States the intent of the Legislature to improve the role and
leadership of mental health system clients and their family
members in the development, implementation, and oversight of
California's mental health policies, as specified.
EXISTING LAW establishes DMH to administer a variety of mental
health programs throughout California; and the
Bronzan-McCorquodale Act, which provides for the organization
and finance of community mental health services, as specified,
in every county through locally administered and locally
controlled community mental health programs.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Assembly Appropriations
Committee analysis, unknown costs, likely over $1 million
annually, for DMH to establish and administer the grant program.
In the Budget for fiscal year 2000-2001, the Legislature
included a $4.9 million augmentation to be used for Client and
Family Empowerment Challenge Grants, using federal substance
abuse funds. However, the governor vetoed the augmentation
because he felt it would create an expectation of establishing a
new statewide, state-funded program.
COMMENTS : The author states this bill requires DMH to issue a
request for proposals to counties or community-based
organizations in order to establish and expand empowerment
programs and activities for mental health clients and their
family members. The author states a recent Joint Committee on
Mental Health Reform hearing has illustrated the lack of
involvement and partnership felt by clients and family members
in the mental health system. Often, the author states,
families lack information, access and a meaningful role in
system design and implementation. Client and family
estrangement from the mental health system often hampers
participation in treatment and impedes recovery. According to
the author, the Joint Committee also repeatedly heard from
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clients and families who have benefited from peer support
activities, including self-help programs and family-to-family
support programs, as well as efforts to include clients and
families as professional staff in county mental health
departments and in community-based programs. The National
Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) California writes in
support stating this bill will empower clients and family
members to participate more fully with the county mental health
departments in local policy development, implementation and
oversight activities in treatment and service plans for the
mental health system. NAMI states they have long held the
position that direct feedback from clients and family members is
essential input to the process of developing and maintaining an
effective mental health care delivery system. NAMI states that
clients and family members should participate in their own or
their family member's treatment planning as well as the overall
mental health system planning, policy-making, development and
implementation at all levels. NAMI concludes that proactive
efforts by the county mental health departments to seek out
better ways to tap these invaluable resources will surely
improve our mental health system.
Analysis Prepared by : Ellen McCormick / HEALTH / (916) 319-2097
FN: 0006313