The responsibilities of this Commission are mandated in the Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5604.2.
The Behavioral Health Commission shall do all of the following:
(1) Review and evaluate the community's public behavioral health needs, services, facilities, and special problems in any facility within the county or jurisdiction where mental health or substance use disorder evaluations or services are being provided, including, but not limited to, schools, emergency departments, and psychiatric facilities.
(2) (A) Review any county agreements entered into pursuant to Section 5650. (B) The local behavioral health commission may make recommendations to the governing body (Sacramento County Board of Supervisors) regarding concerns identified within these agreements.
(3) (A) Advise the Sacramento Board of Supervisors and the local behavioral health director as to any aspect of the local behavioral health program. (B) The Behavioral Health Commission may request assistance from the local patients' rights advocates when reviewing and advising on mental health or substance use disorder evaluations or services provided in public facilities with limited access.
(4) (A) Review and approve the procedures used to ensure citizen and professional involvement at all stages of the planning process. (B) Involvement shall include individuals with lived experience of mental illness and substance use disorder, as well as their families, community members, advocacy organizations, and behavioral health professionals. It shall also include other professionals that interact with individuals living with mental illnesses and substance use disorders on a daily basis, such as education, emergency services, employment, health care, law enforcement, local business owners, social services, seniors, transportation, and veterans.
(5) Submit an annual report to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors on the needs and performance of the County's behavioral health system.
(6) (A) Review and make recommendations on applicants for the appointment of a local director of behavioral health services. (B) The commission shall be included in the selection process prior to the vote of the governing body.
(7) Review and comment on the county's performance outcome data and communicate its findings to the California Behavioral Health Planning Council.
(8) This part does not limit the ability of the governing body to transfer additional duties or authority to the Behavioral Health Commission.
As part of its duties, the Behavioral Health Commission shall assess the impact of the realignment of services from the State to the County on services delivered to the clients and the local community.
How to Join the Behavioral Health Commission
