MS HB328

Current State Board of Mental Health members continue serving until their terms expire or July 1, 2011, whichever is earlier, with the board reconstituted by July 1, 2011.

Board consists of nine members appointed by the Governor with Senate approval, including at least one each of: licensed psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, licensed family medicine or internal medicine physician, licensed clinical social worker, and registered nurse with bachelor's degree.

Board must include at least two consumers or representatives of consumers of mental health services who cannot receive financial benefit from associations with the State Department of Mental Health, other board members, or mental health providers.

Initial appointments include three members with terms expiring July 1, 2016; three expiring July 1, 2015; and three expiring July 1, 2012, with subsequent six-year terms and a two consecutive-term limit per member.

Board elects a chairman annually by majority vote, meets monthly with special meetings as needed, and requires a quorum of at least five members for official action.