Connecticut House Bill HB05143

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/19
• Refer: 1/10/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Evaluation Of Programs Funded By The Department Of Mental Health And Addiction Services.

Impact

The enactment of HB 5143 would have significant implications for existing state laws related to the evaluation processes of mental health services. By requiring the involvement of private vendors for program assessments, the bill proposes a shift in accountability, ensuring that those responsible for public funds are held to rigorous standards backed by external evaluations. This could lead to improvements in the quality of services offered, as evaluations may highlight areas needing attention and reform. However, it raises questions about the costs associated with hiring external evaluators, which could impact budgeting decisions within DMHAS.

Summary

House Bill 5143 seeks to enhance the oversight and evaluation of programs funded by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). The proposed legislation mandates the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services to contract private vendors for the purpose of conducting evaluations of these programs. This change intends to ensure that state-funded programs meet specific standards of accountability and effectiveness, addressing the growing concerns regarding the proper utilization of public funds in the mental health and addiction sectors.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 5143 likely revolves around the effectiveness of using private vendors compared to in-house evaluations. Proponents argue that external evaluations can provide unbiased, professional insights that may be lacking in internal assessments. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the added financial burden and the potential for misalignment between vendor objectives and state mental health priorities. Additionally, there is discussion on how this bill may contrast with existing evaluation practices and whether it could lead to unnecessary bureaucratic complexity.