AB 1134: Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission: fellowship program.

Existing law, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), an initiative statute enacted by the voters as Proposition 63 at the November 2, 2004, statewide general election, establishes the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, which consists of 16 members, to oversee the administration of various parts of the act. Existing law authorizes the MHSA to be amended by a ²/₃ vote of the Legislature if the amendments are consistent with, and further the purposes of, the MHSA. Existing law authorizes the commission to undertake specified activities in carrying out its duties and responsibilities, including ensuring that the perspective and participation of diverse community members reflective of California populations and others suffering from severe mental illness and their family members is a significant factor in all of its decisions and recommendations.

This bill would amend the act by authorizing the commission to establish a fellowship program, in accordance with specified principles, for the purpose of providing an experiential learning opportunity for a mental health consumer and a mental health professional. The bill would require the commission to establish an advisory committee to provide guidance on the fellowship program goals, design, eligibility criteria, and application process. The bill would authorize the commission to enter into an interagency agreement or other contractual agreement with a state, local, or private entity, to receive technical assistance or relevant services to support the establishment and implementation of the fellowship program. The bill would require the commission to ensure that the fellowship program does not cause the displacement, as defined, of any civil service employee.

This bill would declare that its provisions further the intent of the MHSA.