§ 40.1-8.5-1. Policy and purpose. (a) The state recognizes that children and adults with mental disability are entitled to appropriate, accessible, and adequate mental health services in the least restrictive environment which appropriately can serve their needs.
(b) The state recognizes private, nonprofit community mental health centers which provide mental health services to children and adults with mental disabilities, and it is the policy of the state to support these mental health centers as an adjunct and alternative to inpatient services. The state shall fund community mental health centers and, shall provide a mechanism by which the state and local governments share responsibility for assuring community mental health services to mentally disabled children and adults and/or those who are unable to pay for mental health services.
History of Section. (P.L. 1993, ch. 390, § 2.)