§334-10 State council on mental health. (a) There is established, within the department of health for administrative purposes, a state council on mental health. The council shall consist of twenty-one members appointed by the governor as provided in section 26-34. In making appointments to the council, the governor shall ensure that all service area boards of the State are represented, and that a majority of the members are nonproviders of mental health or other health services, and that a majority of the members are not state employees. The number of parents of children with serious emotional disturbances shall be sufficient to provide adequate representation of such children in the deliberations of the council. The council shall be composed of residents of the State, including individuals representing:
(b) The council shall elect a chairperson from among its members. All members shall serve without compensation but shall be paid their necessary expenses in attending meetings of the council.
(c) The council shall advise the department on allocation of resources, statewide needs, and programs affecting two or more service areas. The council shall review and comment on the statewide comprehensive integrated service plan and shall serve as an advocate for adults with serious mental illness, children with serious emotional disturbances, other individuals with mental illnesses or emotional problems, and individuals with combined mental illness substance abuse disorders.
(d) If the department's action is not in conformance with the council's advice, the department shall provide a written explanation of its position to the council.
(e) The council shall prepare and submit an annual report to the governor and the legislature on implementation of the statewide comprehensive integrated service plan. The report presented to the legislature shall be submitted at least twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.
(f) A quorum for purposes of doing business shall consist of a majority of the members serving on the council immediately before a meeting begins.
(g) If a quorum is present when a vote is taken, the affirmative vote of a majority of members present shall constitute a valid act of the council unless this chapter, part I of chapter 92, the articles of incorporation, or the bylaws require a greater number of affirmative votes. [L 1984, c 218, pt of §1; am L 1993, c 210, §2; am L 2004, c 79, §3; am L 2018, c 137, §1]