DE HB355

Dissolves the Advisory Council to the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health and reestablishes it as the Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council with expanded responsibilities.

Designates the new Council as Delaware's State Mental Health Planning Council under Title XIX of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300x) to satisfy federal requirements.

Establishes a 17-member Council composition including 7 ex-officio members from state agencies, 1 licensed medical provider, and 9 appointed individuals including service users, family members, and advocates.

Requires the Council to review mental health service plans, serve as an advocate for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders, and annually monitor the allocation and adequacy of mental health services.

Designates the Council as a public body subject to the Freedom of Information Act and provides administrative support through the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.