OK HB2045

Creates an Advisory Board for Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment to advise the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services on issues affecting treatment access and care for mental illness and substance abuse.

Board consists of 32 members appointed by the Commissioner with Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services approval, divided into four state quadrants with eight members per quadrant: 16 members qualified in alcohol and substance abuse recovery and 16 current or former mental health services recipients.

Members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for travel expenses; must submit recommendations addressing ways to assist persons with mental illness or substance abuse to the Commissioner by December 31, 2016.

Board meetings must comply with the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act and may utilize Department staff expertise and outside professional consultants as needed.

Effective date: November 1, 2015.