The bill establishes the Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Addiction Services, which will operate independently within the Department of the Treasury. The Governor is responsible for appointing an Ombudsman who possesses the necessary qualifications, integrity, and communication skills to support individuals dealing with mental illness and addiction. The ombudsman will oversee the office's operations and staff to fulfill its mission of assisting individuals in accessing effective treatment and ensuring they receive proper care.
The duties of the Ombudsman include helping individuals find treatment facilities, ensuring proper care in mental health programs, providing educational resources, and creating public information initiatives about the office's services. Additionally, the ombudsman is required to maintain confidentiality regarding communications received during their duties, except when disclosure is necessary with consent. The ombudsman will also produce an annual report for the Commissioner of Human Services, the Governor, and the Legislature, summarizing the services provided and offering recommendations for improving state support for individuals with mental health and addiction issues.