WHEREAS, Section 1 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the Governor;

WHEREAS, Section 1 of 1931 PA 195, MCL 10.51, authorizes and empowers the Governor, at such times and for such purposes as the Governor deems necessary or advisable, to create special advisory bodies consisting of as many members as the Governor deems appropriate;

WHEREAS, Michigan’s publicly-supported mental health system must be committed to providing adequate and appropriate mental health care, treatment, and support in an efficient, effective, and fiscally accountable manner;

WHEREAS, the consumers and families involved with, and most affected by, publicly-supported mental health programs and services must be included in the decision-making process;

WHEREAS, Michigan must move toward a more user-friendly mental health system that ensures timely access to care, fosters quality and excellence in service delivery, and promotes innovative and effective strategies to best serve adults and children with serious mental illness or emotional disturbances;

WHEREAS, the services provided by the publicly-supported mental health system should be culturally competent and responsive to consumer needs and preferences;
WHEREAS, the publicly-supported mental health system is currently at a crossroads, requiring the input of interested parties working together to address the challenges confronting the system;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, order the following:

I. DEFINITIONS

1. “Commission” means the Michigan Mental Health Commission created under this Order.

2. “Department of Community Health” means the principal department of state government created as the Department of Mental Health under Section 400 of the Executive Organization Act of 1965, 1965 PA 380, MCL 16.500, and renamed the “Department of Community Health” under Executive Order 1996-1, MCL 330.3101.

II. MICHIGAN MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION

A. The Michigan Mental Health Commission (“Commission”) is created as an advisory body within the Executive Office of the Governor.

B. The Governor shall appoint 29 members to the Commission to serve as members of the Commission at the pleasure of the Governor.

C. In addition to the 29 members appointed under Section II.B, the Directors of the Department of Community Health, the Family Independence Agency and the Department of Corrections, or their designated representatives, shall serve as ex officio, non-voting members of the Commission. The Governor may appoint additional persons as non-voting members.

D. A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

E. The Governor shall designate one of the members of the Commission to serve as its Chairperson at the pleasure of the Governor.

III. CHARGE TO THE COMMISSION

A. The Commission is advisory in nature and shall:

1. Identify and prioritize pressing issues and significant challenges that must be addressed to preserve and improve services for adults and children with serious mental illness or emotional disturbances.

2. Recommend options to improve the organization, delivery, quality, and effectiveness of publicly-supported mental health services.

3. Identify methods to enhance current state and county partnerships for planning, management, and delivery of mental health services

4. Assess opportunities for collaborative interagency and intergovernmental approaches to the provision of mental health care.

5. Identify methods designed to simplify access to care, promote effective service and support practices, improve care outcomes, and enhance consumer and family satisfaction.

6. Recommend approaches to improve federal, state, county, and community collaboration while increasing the efficiency and fiscal accountability of the publicly-supported mental health system.

7. Identify strategies and financing options for expanding prevention and early intervention efforts within the publicly-supported mental health system.

8. Provide recommendations on the best strategies to enhance public awareness and understanding of mental illness.

9. Identify strategies that will increase collaboration and communication between law enforcement, courts, corrections, community mental health programs, and public and private hospitals in most effectively meeting the needs of adults and children with serious mental illness or emotional disturbances.

10. Formulate policy and program recommendations to improve and promote community-based services and integration for adults and children with serious mental illness or emotional disturbances.

11. Develop a Michigan-specific plan to determine the most appropriate strategy for achieving mental health parity in this state.

B. In exercising its duties the Commission may:

1. Assess the most appropriate organizational framework for the delivery of publicly-supported mental health services in Michigan.

2. Review model legislation and studies on the effective delivery of publicly-supported mental health services and collect information on states that have developed innovative solutions and best practices for similar challenges.

3. Identify training and technological assistance needs related to the efficient management and delivery of services provided through the publicly-supported mental health system.

C. The Commission shall provide other information or advice as directed by the Governor or the Chairperson of the Commission.

D. The Commission shall complete its work and issue a final report and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Governor not later than September 30, 2004.

IV. OPERATIONS OF THE COMMISSION

A. The Commission may promulgate bylaws, not inconsistent with Michigan law and this Order, governing its organization, operation, and procedures. The Commission may establish subcommittees as it deems advisable.

B. The Commission shall be staffed by personnel from and assisted by the Department of Community Health, as directed by the Governor or the Chairperson of the Commission.

C. The Chairperson of the Commission shall select from among the members of the Commission a Vice-Chairperson and a Secretary. Commission staff shall assist the Secretary with record-keeping responsibilities.

D. The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson and as may be provided in procedures adopted by the Commission.

E. The Commission may establish committees and request public participation on advisory panels as it deems necessary. The Commission may adopt, reject, or modify recommendations made by committees or advisory panels.

F. The Commission shall act by majority vote of its serving members. A majority of the members of the Commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction business.

G. The Commission may, as appropriate, make inquiries, studies, investigations, hold hearings, and receive comments from the public. The Commission may consult with outside experts, consumers, and their families in order to perform its duties.

H. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation. Members of the Commission may receive reimbursement for necessary travel and expenses according to relevant statutes and the rules and procedures of the Department of Management and Budget and the Civil Service Commission, subject to available appropriations.

I. The Commission may hire or retain contractors, sub-contractors, advisors, consultants and agents, and may make and enter into contracts necessary or incidental to the exercise of the powers of the Commission and the performance of its duties, as the Director of the Department of Community Health deems advisable and necessary in accordance with the relevant statutes, rules, and procedures of the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Management and Budget.

J. The Commission may accept donations of labor, services, or other things of value from any public or private agency or person.

K. Members of the Commission shall refer all legal, legislative, and media contacts to the Department of Community Health.

V. MISCELLANEOUS

A. All departments, committees, commissioners, or officers of this state or of any political subdivision of this state shall give to the Commission, or to any member or representative of the Commission, any necessary assistance required by the Commission, or any member or representative of the Commission, in the performance of the duties of the Commission so far as is compatible with its, his, or her duties. Free access shall also be given to any books, records, or documents in its, his, or her custody, relating to matters within the scope of inquiry, study, or investigation of the Commission.

B. The invalidity of any portion of this Order shall not affect the validity of the remainder the order.

This Order is effective upon filing.

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan this 10th day of December, 2003.

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JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM
GOVERNOR

BY THE GOVERNOR:

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SECRETARY OF STATE