Announcements – Mental Health

The latest announcements and mental health items of note from the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Division (MHSA) are listed below.  For information and announcements regarding behavioral health generally or substance abuse, you may wish to visit the MHSA announcement page or the substance abuse announcement page.

May 18, 2011
Request for Comment On: 25 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter G, governing Community Centers

Comments Due May 31, 2011

The proposed rules governing standards for services to persons with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders (COPSD) were published on the April 29, 2011 issue of the Texas Register for formal comment.

• To access the html version, go to the Secretary of State’s website at: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/index.shtml.
• To access the preview of the proposed rules, find the “Points of Interest” box that is located on the right side of the home page and complete the following steps:
  1. Click on “Search the Texas Register.”
  2. Locate “title number” on the Viewer Screen, and type the number 25 in the box.
  3. Locate “chapter number,” and type the number 411 in the box.
  4. Locate “rule numbers,” and type the numbers 301 to 316 in the boxes provided.
  5. Enter the date, 04/29/2011 in the first box located at Publication Issue Date.
  6. Click on "find" and the publication data will be available.
• Click on each section to access the rule text, the "preamble" that explains changes to the rule, and the text of the sections being repealed.

• You may also access the PDF version of the proposed rules: Proposed Rules (PDF).

You may submit your comments to: MHSArules@dshs.state.tx.us. Please title the subject line “Comments for 25 TAC 411 G.” Comments should include the citation for the section that you are referencing, suggestions for alternative language, and a rationale for the alternative language.

May 18, 2011
Request for Comment On 25 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter N, governing Standards for Services to persons with Co-occurring Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Disorders (COPSD)

Comments Due May 31, 2011

The proposed rules governing standards for services to persons with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders (COPSD) were published on the April 29, 2011 issue of the Texas Register for formal comment.

• To access the html version, go to the Secretary of State’s website at: www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/index.shtml.
• To access the preview of the proposed rules, find the “Points of Interest” box that is located on the right side of the home page and complete the following steps:
  1. Click on “Search the Texas Register.”
  2. Locate “title number” on the Viewer Screen, and type the number 25 in the box.
  3. Locate “chapter number,” and type the number 411 in the box.
  4. Locate “rule numbers,” and type the numbers 651 to 662 in the boxes provided.
  5. Enter the date, 04/29/2011 in the first box located at Publication Issue Date.
  6. Click on "find" and the publication data will be available.
• Click on each section to access the rule text, the "preamble" that explains changes to the rule, and the text of the sections being repealed.
• You may also access the PDF version below:

• Proposed Rules (PDF)

You may submit your comments to: MHSArules@dshs.state.tx.us. Please title the subject line “Comments for 25 TAC 411 N.” Comments should include the citation for the section that you are referencing, suggestions for alternative language, and a rationale for the alternative language.

January 26, 2011
Applications for Appointees to the Local Authority Network Advisory Committee: Local Government Officials from Rural Counties

Application Due Date: February 28, 2011

The Department of State Health Services is seeking applications for the Local Authority Network Advisory Committee (LANAC) established pursuant to H.B. 2439 from the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007. The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) makes the final decisions on all appointments. The LANAC advises HHSC and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on technical and administrative issues that directly affect local mental health authority responsibilities. Currently there is one vacancy for a rural local government official.

Eligible applicants include:

1. Local elected officials from rural counties (commissioners, mayors, judges, sheriffs, etc.); and
2. other individuals appointed, selected, or employed to serve in local government who can effectively represent the policy interests of rural local governments.

The application deadline is February 28, 2011. If interested, please complete the application form below and return it, together with a current resume, to the address shown at the end of the form.

Additional information about the LANAC and committee member qualifications

The LANAC advises HHSC and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on technical and administrative issues that directly affect local mental health authority responsibilities. As set out in Texas Health & Safety Code §533.0351, the committee is composed of an equal number of representatives appointed by the Executive Commissioner of HHSC from:

• local mental health authorities;
• community mental health service providers;
• private mental health service providers;
• local government officials;
• advocates for individuals with mental health needs;
• consumers of mental health services;
• family members of individuals with mental health needs; and
• other individuals with expertise in the field of mental health.

The committee includes representation from different regions of the state; rural and urban counties; and single-county and multi-county mental health authorities.

The committee is charged with:

• reviewing rules and proposed rules as well as participating in any negotiated rulemaking process related to local mental health authority operations;
• advising HHSC and DSHS regarding evaluation and coordination of initiatives related to local mental health authority operations;
• advising HHSC and DSHS in developing a method of contracting with local mental health authorities that will result in contracts that are flexible and responsive to the needs and services of local communities and DSHS performance expectations;
• coordinating with workgroups whose actions may affect local mental health authority operations; and
• working with HHSC and DSHS as directed.

Members appointed to the committee must have some knowledge of, familiarity with, or understanding of the day-to-day operations of a local mental health authority. Along with H.B. 2439’s requirements, nominees should meet the following qualifications:

• If applicable, be in good standing with the Medicaid, CHIP and other HHS public health programs;
• Commit to full participation in activities including attendance at regularly scheduled meetings; and
• Be free from conflicts of interest.

Please send completed application and resume to Tamara Allen by February 28, 2011. She can be reached at (512) 206-5414 or by e-mail at tamara.allen@dshs.state.tx.us.

• Local Authority Network Advisory Committee Application (MS Word)