MS HB868

Creates a 29-member Mental Health Task Force to conduct a comprehensive review of Mississippi's mental health system, with members appointed from legislative committees, state agencies, judiciary, medical associations, and mental health advocacy organizations.

Task force shall meet at least biannually beginning on or within seven days of July 15, 2015, with a quorum of 14 members, and shall be chaired by one of its elected members.

Task force must study and make recommendations for improving mental health services, including review of the State Board of Mental Health's authority, identification of critical system problems, and identification of professionals authorized to conduct mental health evaluations in commitment proceedings.

State Department of Mental Health shall provide staff support to the task force, and the task force may consult with any state agency employees necessary to accomplish its responsibilities.

Task force shall submit a final report with findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the Legislature, Governor, and local/tribal governments by December 31, 2016 (unless delayed due to pending DOJ negotiations or litigation), with voting tallies for each recommendation included; task force shall be abolished upon report submission.