Honorable Myra Crownover, Chair, House Committee on Public Health
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2023 by Naishtat (Relating to the appointment of a forensic director responsible for statewide coordination and oversight of forensic mental health services overseen by the Department of State Health Services.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code to require the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to appoint a forensic medical director responsible for statewide coordination and oversight of forensic mental health services. The bill would require that the person appointed to this position have proven expertise in forensic services. The bill would also require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to create a workgroup of experts and stakeholders to issue a report of recommendations concerning the creation of a comprehensive plan for coordination of forensic services. The report would be due to the Legislative Budget Board no later than July 1, 2016.
It is assumed that DSHS and HHSC could absorb the costs associated with implementation of the bill within existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.