83R2855 EES-D
By: Burkett, Alvarado, et al. H.B. No. 1023
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of a task force to investigate and make
recommendations regarding mental health workforce shortages.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. TASK FORCE ON MENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE SHORTAGE.
(a) Not later than October 1, 2013, the Health and Human Services
Commission, or a health and human services agency designated by the
commission, shall establish a task force to investigate and make
recommendations regarding mental health workforce shortages in
this state.
(b) The task force shall investigate the existence,
severity, and causes of mental health workforce shortages in this
state. The investigation must specifically identify:
(1) the types of providers for which shortages exist,
including types such as licensed professionals, certified peer
specialists, and direct care staff;
(2) the types of licensed professionals, specialists,
or staff for which shortages exist;
(3) the locations or regions in this state in which
shortages exist and in which extraordinary shortages exist;
(4) the effect the shortages have on the ability of
persons with mental illness to receive services in this state and in
those locations or regions identified under Subdivision (3) of this
subsection; and
(5) the economic and societal effect the shortages
have in this state and in those locations or regions identified
under Subdivision (3) of this subsection.
SECTION 2. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS. Not later than
December 1, 2014, the Health and Human Services Commission, or the
health and human services agency designated by the commission under
Section 1 of this Act, shall submit a report to the governor, the
lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,
and the appropriate standing committees of the legislature that
includes:
(1) the results of the task force's investigation; and
(2) recommended means to alleviate identified mental
health workforce shortages.
SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect
immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members
elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas
Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for
immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2013.