relating to local mental health authority and local behavioral
health authority audits and mental and behavioral health reporting,
services, and programs.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 8.151, Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 8.151. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1)"Executive commissioner" means the executive
commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission.
(2) "Local[, "local] mental health authority" and
"non-physician mental health professional" have the meanings
assigned by Section 571.003, Health and Safety Code.
SECTION 2. Section 8.152, Education Code, is amended by
adding Subsections (c) and (d) to read as follows:
(c)If a local mental health authority is unable to employ a
professional who qualifies as a non-physician mental health
professional, the authority may request a waiver from the executive
commissioner for approval to employ, for purposes of performing the
functions and duties of a non-physician mental health professional
under this subchapter, a person who:
(1)is a licensed master social worker, as defined by
Section 505.002, Occupations Code; or
(2)has been issued a licensed professional counselor
associate license by the Texas State Board of Examiners of
Professional Counselors.
(d)A person approved under a waiver under Subsection (c)
shall carry out the functions and duties required of a
non-physician mental health professional under this subchapter in
the same manner as a non-physician mental health professional
employed under Subsection (a) or (b).
SECTION 3. Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 531.09915 to read as follows:
Sec.531.09915.INNOVATION MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM FOR
MENTAL HEALTH EARLY INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT. (a) In this
section:
(1)"Inpatient mental health facility" has the meaning
assigned by Section 571.003, Health and Safety Code.
(2)"Program" means the grant program established
under this section.
(3)"State hospital" has the meaning assigned by
Section 552.0011, Health and Safety Code.
(b)To the extent money is appropriated to the commission
for that purpose, the commission shall establish a matching grant
program to provide support to eligible entities for community-based
initiatives that promote identification of mental health issues and
improve access to early intervention and treatment for children and
families. The initiatives may:
(1)be evidence-based or otherwise demonstrate
positive outcomes, including:
(A) improved relationship skills;
(B) improved self-esteem;
(C)reduced involvement in the juvenile justice
system;
(D)participation in the relinquishment
avoidance program under Subchapter E, Chapter 262, Family Code; and
(E) avoidance of emergency room use; and
(2) include:
(A) training; and
(B) services and supports for:
(i) community-based initiatives;
(ii)agencies that provide services to
children and families;
(iii)individuals who work with children or
caregivers of children showing atypical social or emotional
development or other challenging behaviors; and
(iv)children in or at risk of placement in
foster care or the juvenile justice system.
(c)The commission may award a grant under the program only
Statutes affected: Introduced: Government Code 531.1025, Health and Safety Code 534.0535 (Government Code 531, Health and Safety Code 534) Senate Committee Report: Government Code 531.1025, Health and Safety Code 534.0535 (Government Code 531, Health and Safety Code 534) Engrossed: Government Code 531.1025, Health and Safety Code 534.0535 (Government Code 531, Health and Safety Code 534) House Committee Report: Government Code 531.1025, Health and Safety Code 534.0535 (Government Code 531, Health and Safety Code 534) Enrolled: Education Code 8.151, Education Code 571.003, Government Code 531.1025, Health and Safety Code 534.0535 (Government Code 531, Education Code 571, Education Code 8, Health and Safety Code 534)