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78R1007 SMC-D

By:  Carona                                                     S.C.R. No. 8  



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, NorthSTAR is an integrated managed care program that 
combines federal, state, and local funding to operate a single 
system of behavioral health, chemical dependency, and mental health 
services for Medicaid recipients and medically indigent 
individuals of Dallas and the surrounding counties of Collin, 
Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall; and
	WHEREAS, This pilot initiative, implemented in July 1999, is 
a result of collaboration among the Texas Department of Mental 
Health and Mental Retardation, the Texas Commission on Alcohol and 
Drug Abuse, the Texas Department of Health, the Texas Health and 
Human Services Commission, and local governments; these entities 
contract with a licensed behavioral health organization, which is 
responsible for managing and ensuring appropriate care through a 
network of behavioral health providers; and
	WHEREAS, Since it became operational, approximately 200,000 
individuals have been enrolled in the NorthSTAR program, and 
preliminary data and reports suggest several positive results; for 
example, certain barriers to access and waiting lists for health 
care services have been reduced or eliminated, and more low-income 
individuals are receiving services and reporting positively about 
their experiences; and
	WHEREAS, These improvements in the delivery of services are 
partly attributable to an increase in the number of enrolled 
providers that have become available through the program, with the 
expanded provider base affording more choices and greater 
convenience; given the overall benefit to the community, the 
NorthSTAR pilot program has demonstrated considerable potential 
for continued success and therefore merits continuation and further 
evaluation; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby urge the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental 
Retardation and the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse to 
continue the NorthSTAR initiative in Dallas and surrounding 
counties, with expansion of the program contingent on legislative 
approval and a thorough evaluation of the program's treatment and 
cost-effectiveness; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That the secretary of state forward an official 
copy of this resolution to the commissioner of the Texas Department 
of Mental Health and Mental Retardation and to the chair of the 
Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.