CHAPTER 85
H.P. 1060 - L.D. 1515
Resolve, To Establish a Responsive, Community-based, Cost-effective and Comprehensive Adult Mental Health System
Sec. 1. AMHI Consent Decree Plan and system transformation plan. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall ensure that the plan presented for court approval to achieve compliance with the Augusta Mental Health Institute Consent Decree Plan and that the system transformation plan as referenced in Public Law 2005, chapter 12, Part XXX are consumer-directed, community-based and comprehensive. Any plan development must be done in collaboration with a working group inclusive of consumers, families, providers and advocates. The plan must address, at a minimum, service delivery structures, service options, financing of those services, quality assurance and quality improvement strategies to be reflected as part of the management of the system. The plan must also address the development of a local system to ensure continuity of care and to identify utilization management strategies for all components of the mental health system as referenced in section 3; and be it further
Sec. 2. System values and standards. Resolved: That the system for adult mental health services must be based on those values and standards already adopted by this State so that:
1. All services and support promote recovery and resiliency;
2. Planning and services are consumer-driven, holistic, flexible and strength-based;
3. The system is stigma-reducing and promotes a positive image of mental health care and treatment and consumers of mental health care;
4. Services are based in research or evaluation of efficacy;
5. Performance improvement decisions are based on data;
6. The system works in collaboration with public and private partners;
7. The system is culturally and linguistically competent and includes respect and inclusion for all consumers regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or economic challenges;
8. The system is outcome-based and demands cost effectiveness, accountability, standards and best practices;
9. Grievance procedures are readily accessible and transparent;
10. Services are locally responsive and promote an individual's integration into community life;
11. System care is integrated with primary health care; and
12. Consumers have a choice of providers and services; and be it further
Sec. 3. Service reform and improvement. Resolved: That the mental health system must reflect at a minimum the following components:
1. Urgent care, including crisis services;
2. Inpatient services;
3. Outpatient clinical and medication management services;
4. Community support services;
5. Housing;
6. Residential support services;
7. Evidence-based practices, including, but not limited to, those currently identified by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration;
8. Peer counseling and peer support services;
9. Vocational supports;
10. Transportation services;
11. Socialization supports; and
12. Family support services; and be it further
Sec. 4. Diverse populations. Resolved: That the mental health system must define and be responsive to the needs of diverse populations including:
1. Persons with serious mental illness;
2. Persons with co-occurring substance abuse disorders;
3. Persons who are older;
4. Persons in the criminal justice system;
5. Persons who have trauma and abuse histories; and
6. Persons with co-occurring serious physical illnesses or conditions; and be it further
Sec. 5. System readiness. Resolved: That service reform must be undertaken within the following parameters:
1. Significant changes in reimbursement methodology must include actuarial analysis;
2. Administrative burdens must be managed, consistent with Public Law 2003, chapter 673, Part OOO, section 2;
3. Federal and state reporting data requirements must be met. Information technology systems must be in place to support data collection and quality management systems that drive reform;
4. The system must use consistent tools for measurement of outcomes, including, but not limited to, individual benefits that are grounded in the values in section 2; and
5. Required MaineCare waivers must be approved, when needed, prior to changes being implemented; and be it further
Sec. 6. Implementation. Resolved: That any substantive changes in financing and service delivery of adult mental health services must be phased in with an evaluation process for each phase, with adjustments being made accordingly; and be it further
Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall provide a report and recommendations, including any recommendations of the working group required under section 1, to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services no later than January 15, 2006.
Effective September 17, 2005.
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