HI SR51

Requests the Department of Human Resources Development and state mental health care agencies to cooperate in expediting the hiring and filling of critical vacancies in the mental health workforce.

Identifies obsolete recruiting and hiring policies and practices as contributors to workforce shortages affecting the State's public mental health care system.

Recognizes that high vacancy rates in the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Department of Education, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Judiciary prevent these agencies from meeting increasing demand for mental health services.

Acknowledges that mental health care work causes burnout, compassion fatigue, and post-traumatic stress among workers, which high vacancy rates can accelerate.

Directs transmission of a certified copy of the Resolution to the Directors of Human Resources Development, Health, Human Services, the Superintendent of Education, Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Chief Justice.