§ 40.1-29-5. Functions. The functions of the council shall be:

(1) To review and evaluate the behavioral health needs and problems in the state and propose such recommendations as are appropriate;

(2) To stimulate and seek the development and coordination of all programs relating to behavioral health, including, but not limited to, such areas as care and treatment, prevention, manpower, research, and public education;

(3) To encourage interdisciplinary approaches to combating, treating, and preventing substance use disorders and mental illness, focusing in particular on integrating support systems for behavioral health care;

(4) To act as the advisory committee to the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals and the governor on any funds made available to the department by the federal government for substance use disorders and/or mental health treatment and prevention purposes;

(5) To stimulate and investigate research as it affects planning and implementation of behavioral health care systems in the health care environment;

(6) To make an annual report to the governor and the general assembly during the month of January, setting forth:

(i) The nature and extent of the behavioral health care problems in the state;

(ii) Such information and recommendations as the council deems necessary to deal with the problems as documented;

(iii) A review of the council's activities during the preceding year, including but not limited to, reports relative to activity, performance and need;

(iv) Any plans developed by the council to deal with the behavioral health care problems identified by the council;

(v) Other recommendations as may be appropriate and in the public interest.

History of Section. (P.L. 2001, ch. 57, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 124, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 143, § 1.)