1.) Department Of State
Health Services Legislative Appropriation
Request
Support the Department of State Health Services'
2008-2009 Legislative Appropriation Request
(LAR), including funding to restore to mental
health services and programs the 10% budget
cuts directed by the Governor, and $82 million
in new dollars to fund the Exceptional Item
for mental health crisis services.2.) Mental Health Equity
In Private Health Insurance
Support legislation to require private health
insurance plans to cover treatment for mental
health disorders equal to coverage provided
for physical disorders (i.e. mental health
insurance equity, or "parity").
Support legislation to require a study of
the cost, if any, of equitable mental health
coverage currently provided to state of
Texas employees.
3.) Students With Serious
Emotional Disorders in Public Schools
Support improvements in the laws regarding
how students with emotional disorders in
public schools are treated when having disciplinary
problems related to their illness.
4.) "Priority"
Or "Target" Population For Community
Mental Health Services
Support legislation that would require Community
MHMR Centers to prioritize providing evidence-based
services to individuals with mental illnesses
based on the individual's need rather than
on his or her diagnosis.
5.) Medicaid Reform
Impact legislative efforts to reform and
improve state Medicaid services for individuals
with mental illness.
6.) Housing
Support legislative efforts to improve the
quality of housing options for individuals
with mental illness by regulating board
and care homes.
