This bill amends the Mental Health Code by adding a new section, 137b, which mandates the Department to conduct annual reviews of psychiatric hospitals' recipient rights systems to ensure compliance with established standards. The Department is required to demonstrate how its review of data from these hospitals fulfills its duty to ensure compliance. Additionally, the Department must conduct on-site reviews every three years, producing detailed reports that include verification of complaints and appeals logs, summaries of complaints, assessments of provider contracts, and recommendations for corrective actions. These reports will be made publicly available on the Department's website and shared with relevant legislative committees.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing language in section 232a regarding the certification process for community mental health services programs. It specifies that the Department must establish standards for certification that include governance, resource management, and the protection of recipient rights. The bill also clarifies that the Department must notify community mental health services programs of their compliance status and requires them to correct any identified noncompliance before recertification. The certification process is outlined in detail, including provisions for provisional certifications and the consequences of failing to maintain compliance, such as the cancellation of state funding.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 330.1232