AR SB519

Authorizes the Arkansas State Hospital through the Department of Human Services to assist community mental health centers and clinics in providing medication funds for medically indigent patients at a rate not exceeding 5 cents per capita of the geographical area served, based on the most recent federal census.

Requires community mental health centers to be funded by a combination of mental health block grants, social services block grants, and state general revenue, with annual meetings between the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services and community mental health centers to determine appropriate funding changes.

Mandates community mental health centers to report quarterly to the Senate and House Committees on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor on funding adequacy for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, including annual audits performed by independent certified public accountants.

Establishes procedures for professional or consultant service contracts exceeding $25,000 that require 30-day advance filing with the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee, with contract modifications requiring 45-day notice to centers and website posting before execution.

Adds requirements for community mental health clinic approval including demonstrated experience providing 24/7 emergency behavioral health screenings and a full array of outpatient services including psychiatry services.