SB184 Summary

• Appropriates $129,196,590 from the Mental Health Services Fund Account for the Department of Human Services - Division of Behavioral Health for fiscal year 2011-2012, including $43,198,864 for regular salaries and $5,468,889 for extra help.

• Establishes a maximum of 1,168 regular employees across various positions including psychiatric specialists, physicians, nurses, counselors, and support staff with specified salary grades.

• Authorizes up to 336 temporary or part-time employees ("Extra Help") at rates not to exceed those in the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act.

• Appropriates additional funds for community mental health centers ($8,602,384), acute mental health services ($5,633,293), mental health block grants ($6,068,799), and alcohol and drug abuse prevention ($21,114,814).

• Includes special provisions regarding Community Mental Health Center allocations, reporting requirements, job share authorization for nursing positions, and protection of the Arkansas Health Center from closure or funding reductions without legislative approval.