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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Existing law, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), an initiative measure 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. 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 authorize amend the act by authorizing the commission to establish a fellowship program 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.

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

Existing law, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), an initiative measure 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.

This bill would authorize the commission to establish a fellowship program for the purpose of providing an experiential learning opportunity for a mental health consumer and a mental health professional.

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

CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

CSA1 Bill Id:AB 1134

Author:(Gloria)

As Amended Ver:July 11, 2017

2/3 vote

Original Committee Reference: HEALTH

SUMMARY: Authorizes the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (Commission) to establish a fellowship program for the purpose of providing an experiential learning opportunity for a mental health consumer and a mental health professional.

The Senate amendments do the following:

1. Limit fellowships to one year;
2. Specify the broad goals of the Commission that the fellowship program must support;
3. Require the Commission to establish an advisory committee to provide guidance on fellowship program goals, design, eligibility criteria, application process, and other issues as necessary;
4. Permit the Commission to enter into an interagency agreement or other contractual agreement with a state, local, or private entity, as specified, to receive technical assistance or relevant services to support the establishment and implementation of the fellowship program; and,
5. Require the Commission to ensure that the fellowship program does not cause the displacement of any civil service employee, as specified.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, ongoing costs of up to $100,000 per year to establish the fellowship program and pay the fellows (Mental Health Services Act Fund). The Commission anticipates paying the consumer fellow between $25,000 and $50,000 per year, depending on whether the position is part-time or full time. Similarly, the Commission anticipates paying up to $50,000 for the professional fellow position, depending on whether the Commission elects to provide a stipend for that position. There are also likely to be administrative costs of about $10,000 per year to support the required advisory committee.

COMMENTS: According to the author, this bill authorizes the Commission to establish a fellowship program for a mental health consumer and a mental health professional. This bill ensures that client needs are being met by providing them an opportunity to engage in policy projects with the Commission. The Commission's fellowship will also provide mental health professionals with the opportunity to work with a state agency and gain experience they can use to enhance their careers

Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). Proposition 63 was passed by voters in November 2004. The MHSA imposes a 1% income tax on personal income in excess of $1 million and creates the 16 member Commission charged with overseeing the implementation of MHSA. The 2016-17 Governor's Budget projected that $1.9 billion in revenue would be deposited into the MHSF in fiscal year 2017-18. The MHSA addresses a broad continuum of prevention, early intervention, and service needs, as well as provides funding for infrastructure, technology, and training needs for the community mental health system. In addition to local programs, the MHSA authorizes up to 5% of revenues for state administrative functions performed by a variety of state entities such as the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. It also funds evaluation of the MHSA by the Commission.

The role of the Commission is to oversee the implementation of the MHSA. The Commission oversees the Adults and Older Adults Systems of Care Act; Human Resources; Innovative Programs; Prevention & Early Intervention Programs; and the Children's Mental Health Services Act. The MHSA requires each county mental health department to prepare and submit a three-year plan to DHCS that must be updated each year and approved by DHCS after review and comment by the Commission. In their three-year plans, counties are required to include a list of all programs for which MHSA funding is being requested and that identifies how the funds will be spent and which populations will be served. Counties must submit their plans for approval to the Commission before the counties may spend certain categories of funding.

Fellowships in Public Policy. Creating a fellowship program is an established strategy to attract new voices and vision into an organization or field and to provide professional work experience or exposure for professionals new to the field. The most well-known Fellowships in California State Government are the Assembly, Senate, Executive, and Judicial Fellowships administered by the Center for California Studies which place Fellows in leadership positions in California state government.

Fellowships are well established in the Federal government as well. The United States (U.S.) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a range of fellowship opportunities, including a Minority Fellowship operated in partnership with the American Psychiatric Association. Similarly, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers public health fellowships around the country. In California, the California Department of Public Health has administered a range of fellowships, including the California Epidemiological Investigation Service Fellowship Program for early career Epidemiologists, and the Champion Provider Fellowship. The California Department of State Hospitals – Vacaville offers a postdoctoral fellowship training program in an inpatient correctional mental health setting.

The Commission, sponsor of the bill, states that the Commission is an independent state agency directed to improve oversight and accountability of the MHSA and the public mental health system. The intended outcomes in the MHSA include reducing incarcerations, school failure and dropout, unemployment, suicide, prolonged suffering, and homelessness for those living with mental illness. The fellowships provided for in this bill would complement the make-up of the Commission, which includes two mental health consumers, as well as two mental health professionals appointed by the Governor. Bringing fellows with professional and life experience into the Commission's offices would fortify its ability to ensure that it has access to subject matter experts who can inform and guide the Commission's operations.

Analysis Prepared by: Paula Villescaz / HEALTH / (916) 319-2097 FN: 0001227

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 1134

Author:

: in Senate

Vote:

SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE: 9-0, 6/14/17

AYES: Hernandez, Nguyen, Atkins, Leyva, Mitchell, Monning, Newman, Nielsen, Roth

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 7/17/17

AYES: Lara, Bates, Beall, Bradford, Hill, Nielsen, Wiener

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/4/17 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT:

SOURCE: Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission

DIGEST:

This bill authorizes the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) to establish a fellowship program, as specified. This bill requires the MHSOAC to establish an advisory committee to provide guidance on the fellowship program goals, design, eligibility criteria, application process, and other issues, as specified.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), enacted by voters in 2004 as Proposition 63, to provide funds to counties to expand services, develop innovative programs, and integrate service plans for mentally ill children, adults, and seniors through a 1% income tax on personal income above $1 million.
2. Establishes the MHSOAC to oversee the implementation of the MHSA, develop strategies to overcome stigma, and advise the Governor and the Legislature on ways the state can improve care and services to people with mental illness.
3. Requires the MHSOAC to ensure 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 the MHSOAC’s decisions and recommendations.
4. Permits the MHSOAC, within the limit of funds allocated for these purposes and pursuant to the laws and regulations governing state civil service, to employ staff, as specified. Permits the MHSOAC to establish technical advisory committees, such as a committee of consumers and family members.
5. Establishes the Department of Public Health (DPH) to protect and improve the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention.
6. Permits DPH to perform activities that protect, preserve, and advance public health, including the provision of training programs.

This bill:

1. Authorizes the MHSOAC to establish a fellowship program for the purpose of providing an experiential learning opportunity for both a mental health consumer and a mental health professional.
2. Requires the fellowship program to be intended to support the broad goals of the MHSOAC, as stated in 3) above, and to be based on the following principles:
   1. To enhance opportunities for the work of the MHSOAC to reflect the perspective of persons with lived experience and state-of-the-art practices in the mental health field;
   2. To strengthen opportunities for the goals of the MHSA, and the work of the MHSOAC in promoting those goals, to be accessible and understandable to mental health consumers, mental health professionals, and the general public;
   3. To improve opportunities for outreach and engagement with mental health consumers and mental health professionals relating to the work of the MHSOAC; and,
   4. To increase the awareness for mental health consumers and professionals of the goals of the MHSA and the role of the state in meeting those goals; the role of public policy, regulation development, fiscal strategies, use of data, research, and evaluation; and communication strategies to improve mental health outcomes in California.
3. Requires the MHSOAC to establish an advisory committee to provide guidance on the fellowship program goals, design, eligibility criteria, application process, and other issues as determined by the MHSOAC. Requires the advisory committee to include persons with lived experience with the mental health system, mental health professionals, persons with experience with similar fellowship programs, and others with diverse perspectives who can assist the MHSOAC in meeting the goals of the fellowship program.
4. Permits the MHSOAC to enter into an interagency agreement or other contractual agreement with a state, local, or private entity, as determined by the MHSOAC, to receive technical assistance or relevant services to support the establishment and implementation of the fellowship program, as determined by the MHSOAC.
5. Requires the MHSOAC to ensure that the fellowship program does not cause the displacement of any civil service employee, including resulting in a layoff, a demotion, an involuntary transfer to a new class, an involuntary transfer to a new location requiring a change of residence, a time base reduction, a change in shift or days off, or a reassignment to another position within the same class and general location.

Comments

1. Author’s statement. According to the author, this bill authorizes the MHSOAC to establish a fellowship program for a mental health consumer and a mental health professional. This bill ensures that client needs are being met by providing them an opportunity to engage in policy projects with the MHSOAC. The fellowship program will also provide mental health professionals with the opportunity to work with a state agency and gain experience they can use to enhance their careers.
2. MHSA. The 2016-17 Governor’s Budget projected that $1.9 billion in revenue would be deposited into the Mental Health Services Fund in Fiscal Year 2017-18. The MHSA addresses a broad continuum of prevention, early intervention, and service needs for the public mental health system. In addition to local programs, the MHSA funds evaluation of MHSA-funded programs by the MHSOAC. The MHSA requires each county mental health department to prepare and submit a three-year plan to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) that must be updated each year and approved by DHCS after review and comment by the MHSOAC. In their three-year plans, counties are required to include a list of all programs for which MHSA funding is being requested and that identifies how the funds will be spent and which populations will be served. Counties must submit their plans for approval to the MHSOAC before they can spend innovation program funding. A key tenet of the MHSA is to ensure 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 the MHSOAC’s decisions and recommendations.
3. Examples of fellowships in public policy. Some established fellowships in the state are the Assembly, Senate, Executive, and Judicial Fellowships administered by the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento, which place fellows in leadership positions in California state government. According to the MHSOAC, information is lacking on fellowships in the state and the nation that are designed specifically to support the work of mental health consumers in the field of mental health policy. The County of Los Angeles supports a mental health fellowship, known as the Jump Start Fellowship Program, which is a 12-week, full time fellowship program for individuals who are interested in working in the adult community mental health field, and is intended to help participants get a job in the field while increasing and diversifying the mental health workforce. Although mental health consumers are encouraged to apply, the MHSOAC states that the Jump Start Fellowship is not limited to mental health consumers. The MHSOAC also states that, because it’s bound by laws and regulations governing state civil service when employing people, it needs broad authority for a fellowship program that would be designed to draw those with lived experience in the public mental health system.

The MHSOAC also points to DPH’s broad authority to provide training programs and the fellowships it administers. DPH administers the California Epidemiological Investigation Service Fellowship Program, which is a one or two-year program for early career epidemiologists to gain hands-on experience working with an epidemiologist preceptor in either local or state health departments in California. Another DPH fellowship is the Champion Provider Fellowship, which is administered through partnership with the University of San Francisco. Launched in 2014, the program serves to empower, train, and support health care providers to use their expertise and voices to improve the health of communities through local policy, systems, and environmental changes.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, ongoing costs of up to $100,000 per year to establish the fellowship program and pay the fellows (MHSA Fund). The MHSOAC anticipates paying the consumer fellow between $25,000 and $50,000 per year, depending on whether the position is part-time or full time. Similarly, the MHSOAC anticipates paying up to $50,000 for the professional fellow position, depending on whether the MHSOAC elects to provide a stipend for that position. There are also likely to be administrative costs of about $10,000 per year to support the required advisory committee.

SUPPORT: (Verified 7/17/17)

Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (source)

California Access Coalition

California Associatin of Marriage and Family Therapists

California Mental Health Planning Council

California Psychological Association

CaliforniaHealth+ Advocates

OPPOSITION: (Verified 7/17/17)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The MHSOAC, sponsor of this bill, writes that intended outcomes of MHSA programs include reducing incarcerations, school failure and dropout, unemployment, suicide, prolonged suffering, and homelessness for those living with mental illness. The MHSOAC and other supporters argue that the fellowship program would complement the make-up of the MHSOAC and would fortify their ability to ensure subject-matter experts inform and guide operations. The California Mental Health Planning Council further argues that the fellowship would allow persons with lived experience to gain professional experience to move forward in their careers and to actively participate in the policy development and administration of the MHSA.

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/4/17

AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bloom, Bocanegra, Bonta, Brough, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Cervantes, Chau, Chávez, Chen, Chiu, Choi, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Cunningham, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Eggman, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gallagher, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gomez, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Grayson, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Limón, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Reyes, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Wood, Rendon

NO VOTE RECORDED: Travis Allen, Bigelow, Cristina Garcia, Patterson

Prepared by:

7/19/17 15:33:49

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair

2017 - 2018 Regular Session

AB 1134 (Gloria) - Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission: fellowship program

This bill does not meet the criteria for referral to the Suspense File.

Bill Summary:

AB 1134 would authorize the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission to establish a fellowship program.

Fiscal Impact:

Ongoing costs of up to $100,000 per year to establish the fellowship program and pay the fellows (Mental Health Services Act Fund). The Commission anticipates paying the consumer fellow between $25,000 and $50,000 per year, depending on whether the position is part-time or full time. Similarly, the Commission anticipates paying up to $50,000 for the professional fellow position, depending on whether the Commission elects to provide a stipend for that position. There are also likely be administrative costs of about $10,000 per year to support the required advisory committee.

Background:

The Mental Health Services Act (Proposition 63 of 2004) imposes an additional 1% personal income tax on incomes over $1 million. Most of the funding from the Mental Health Services Act is transferred to counties to provide support for mental health services. The Mental Health Services Act limits state administrative spending to 5% of revenues. Counties are required to prepare three-year program and expenditure plans (with annual updates) and to submit those plans to the state. In addition, under direction from the Department of Health Care Services, counties are required to develop annual revenue and expenditure reports. In 2016-17, projected Mental Health Services Act revenues are $1.9 billion.

Under current practice, there are several programs in state government to allow state entities to employ fellows. Those fellowship programs are not subject to the existing state civil service hiring and salary requirements.

Proposed Law:

AB 1134 would authorize the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission to establish a fellowship program.

Specific provisions of the bill would:

• Authorize the Commission to establish a fellowship program for the purpose of providing an experiential learning opportunity for a mental health consumer and a mental health professional;
• Limit service in the fellowship program to one annual term;
• Specify the requirements of the fellowship program;
• Require the Commission to establish an advisory committee;
• Require the Commission to ensure that the fellowship program does not cause the displacement of any civil service employees.

Related Legislation:

• AB 462 (Thurmond) would authorize the Director of the Employment Development Department to share information with the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission related to quarterly wage data to assist in fulfilling its duties under the Mental Health Services Act, as specified. That bill is on the Senate Floor.
• AB 850 (Chau) would add a Governor-appointed member to the Commission who has knowledge and experience in reducing mental health disparities, especially for racial and ethnic communities. That bill is on the Senate Floor.
• AB 860 (Cooley) would authorize the Commission to conduct a fact-finding tour of a facility or location that is not open to the public, as specified. That bill is on the Senate Floor.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH

Senator Ed Hernandez, O.D., Chair

BILL NO: AB 1134

SUBJECT: Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission: fellowship program

SUMMARY:

Authorizes the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) to establish a fellowship program, as specified. Requires the MHSOAC to establish an advisory committee to provide guidance on the fellowship program goals, design, eligibility criteria, application process, and other issues, as specified.

Existing law:

1. Establishes the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), enacted by voters in 2004 as Proposition 63, to provide funds to counties to expand services, develop innovative programs, and integrate service plans for mentally ill children, adults, and seniors through a 1% income tax on personal income above $1 million.
2. Establishes the MHSOAC to oversee the implementation of the MHSA, develop strategies to overcome stigma, and advise the Governor and the Legislature on ways the state can improve care and services to people with mental illness.
3. Requires the MHSOAC to ensure 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 the MHSOAC’s decisions and recommendations.
4. Permits the MHSOAC, within the limit of funds allocated for these purposes and pursuant to the laws and regulations governing state civil service, to employ staff, as specified. Permits the MHSOAC to establish technical advisory committees, such as a committee of consumers and family members.
5. Establishes the Department of Public Health (DPH) to protect and improve the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention.
6. Permits DPH to perform activities that protect, preserve, and advance public health, including the provision of training programs.

This bill:

1. Authorizes the MHSOAC to establish a fellowship program for the purpose of providing an experiential learning opportunity for both a mental health consumer and a mental health professional.
2. Requires the fellowship program to be intended to support the broad goals of the MHSOAC, as stated in 3) above, and to be based on the following principles:
   1. To enhance opportunities for the work of the MHSOAC to reflect the perspective of persons with lived experience and state of the art practices in the mental health field;
   2. To strengthen opportunities for the goals of the MHSA, and the work of the MHSOAC in promoting those goals, to be accessible and understandable to mental health consumers, mental health professionals, and the general public;
   3. To improve opportunities for outreach and engagement with mental health consumers and mental health professionals relating to the work of the MHSOAC; and,
   4. To increase the awareness for mental health consumers and professionals of the goals of the MHSA and the role of the state in meeting those goals; the role of public policy, regulation development, fiscal strategies, use of data, research, and evaluation; and communication strategies to improve mental health outcomes in California.
3. Requires the MHSOAC to establish an advisory committee to provide guidance on the fellowship program goals, design, eligibility criteria, application process, and other issues as determined by the MHSOAC. Requires the advisory committee to include persons with lived experience with the mental health system, mental health professionals, persons with experience with similar fellowship programs, and others with diverse perspectives who can assist the MHSOAC in meeting the goals of the fellowship program.
4. Permits the MHSOAC to enter into an interagency agreement or other contractual agreement with a state, local, or private entity, as determined by the MHSOAC, to receive technical assistance or relevant services to support the establishment and implementation of the fellowship program, as determined by the MHSOAC.

FISCAL EFFECT:

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, on the previous version of this bill, annual costs are not likely to exceed $100,000, according to the MHSOAC's planned program design (Mental Health Services Fund). According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, the current version of this bill is not expected to substantially affect the previous analysis.

PRIOR VOTES:

COMMENTS:

1. Author’s statement. According to the author, this bill authorizes the MHSOAC to establish a fellowship program for a mental health consumer and a mental health professional. This bill ensures that client needs are being met by providing them an opportunity to engage in policy projects with the MHSOAC. The fellowship program will also provide mental health professionals with the opportunity to work with a state agency and gain experience they can use to enhance their careers.
2. MHSA. The 2016-17 Governor’s Budget projected that $1.9 billion in revenue would be deposited into the Mental Health Services Fund in Fiscal Year 2017-18. The MHSA addresses a broad continuum of prevention, early intervention, and service needs for the public mental health system. In addition to local programs, the MHSA funds evaluation of MHSA-funded programs by the MHSOAC. The MHSA requires each county mental health department to prepare and submit a three-year plan to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) that must be updated each year and approved by DHCS after review and comment by the MHSOAC. In their three-year plans, counties are required to include a list of all programs for which MHSA funding is being requested and that identifies how the funds will be spent and which populations will be served. Counties must submit their plans for approval to the MHSOAC before they can spend innovation program funding. A key tenet of the MHSA is to ensure 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 the MHSOAC’s decisions and recommendations.
3. Examples of fellowships in public policy. Some established fellowships in the state are the Assembly, Senate, Executive, and Judicial Fellowships administered by the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento, which place fellows in leadership positions in California state government. According to the MHSOAC, information is lacking on fellowships in the state and the nation that are designed specifically to support the work of mental health consumers in the field of mental health policy. The County of Los Angeles supports a mental health fellowship, known as the Jump Start Fellowship Program, which is a 12-week, full time fellowship program for individuals who are interested in working in the adult community mental health field, and is intended to help participants get a job in the field while increasing and diversifying the mental health workforce. Although mental health consumers are encouraged to apply, the MHSOAC states that the Jump Start Fellowship is not limited to mental health consumers. The MHSOAC also states that, because it’s bound by laws and regulations governing state civil service when employing people, it needs broad authority for a fellowship program that would be designed to draw those with lived experience in the public mental health system.

The MHSOAC also points to DPH’s broad authority to provide training programs and the fellowships it administers. DPH administers the California Epidemiological Investigation Service Fellowship Program, which is a one or two-year program for early career epidemiologists to gain hands-on experience working with an epidemiologist preceptor in either local or state health departments in California. Another DPH fellowship is the Champion Provider Fellowship, which is administered through partnership with the University of San Francisco. Launched in 2014, the program serves to empower, train, and support health care providers to use their expertise and voices to improve the health of communities through local policy, systems, and environmental changes.

1. Related legislation. AB 860 (Cooley) would authorize the MHSOAC to conduct a fact-finding tour of a facility or location that is not open to the public, as specified. AB 860 is set for hearing on June 21, 2017, in this committee.

AB 850 (Chau) would add a Governor-appointed member to the MHSOAC who has knowledge and experience in reducing mental health disparities, especially for racial and ethnic communities. AB 850 passed out of this committee by a vote of 9-0 on June 7, 2017.

AB 462 (Thurmond) would authorize the Director of the Employment Development Department to share information with the MHSOAC related to quarterly wage data to assist in fulfilling its duties under the MHSA, as specified. AB 462 passed out of this committee by a vote of 9-0 on June 7, 2017.

1. Prior legislation. AB 745 (Chau, of 2015) would have required the Governor to appoint an additional member to the MHSOAC who has experience providing supportive housing to persons with a severe mental illness. AB 745 was vetoed by the Governor who stated that while supportive housing can help improve the lives of those with serious mental illness the current 16 members of the MHSOAC are adequate to the task.

AB 253 (Roger Hernández of 2015) would have made changes to the MHSA, including adding two additional members to the MHSOAC, one of whom would have been required to have knowledge and experience in reducing mental health disparities. AB 253 was not heard in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee.

1. Support. The MHSOAC, sponsor of this bill, writes that intended outcomes of MHSA programs include reducing incarcerations, school failure and dropout, unemployment, suicide, prolonged suffering, and homelessness for those living with mental illness. The MHSOAC and other supporters argue that the fellowship program would complement the make-up of the MHSOAC and would fortify their ability to ensure subject-matter experts inform and guide operations. The California Mental Health Planning Council further argues that the fellowship would allow persons with lived experience to gain professional experience to move forward in their careers and to actively participate in the policy development and administration of the MHSA.
2. Technical amendments. The author may wish to consider the following technical amendments to reflect an organization’s name change, which was enacted in a previous bill:
3. On page 4, lines 23, 24, 27, and 28, replace “California Mental Health Directors Association” with “County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California.”

SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION:

Support: Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (sponsor)

California Access Coalition

California Associatin of Marriage and Family Therapists

CaliforniaHealth+ Advocates

California Mental Health Planning Council

California Psychological Association

Oppose: None received

-- END --

Date of Hearing: April 26, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1134

Author:(Gloria) – As Introduced Ver:February 17, 2017

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill authorizes the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (Commission) to establish a policy fellowship program for the purpose of providing an experiential learning opportunity for a mental health consumer and a mental health professional.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Annual costs not likely to exceed $100,000, according to the Commission's planned program design (Mental Health Services Fund).

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. The Commission is sponsoring this bill to clarify its authority to establish a policy fellowship for the purposes of furthering its goals under the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). Specifically, the Commission states this bill would highlight the value of lived experience and experience in mental health practice in informing its work, and provide opportunity for the Commission to learn from the policy fellows as well as creating a professional opportunity in public mental health policy for consumers and practitioners.
2. Background. The Commission is charged with overseeing Proposition 63, also called the MHSA, which was approved by voters in 2004 and enacted into law on January 1, 2005. The MHSA places a 1% tax on personal income above $1 million to fund community mental health services. Prior to making allocations to counties, up to 5% of total of annual revenues is set aside for administrative costs, which includes the Commission's annual operating costs. Counties use MHSA dollars to expand mental health services, provide prevention and early intervention services, offer innovative programs, and educate, train and retain mental health professionals. In 2017-18, the MHSA is projected to generate nearly $1.9 billion. Fellowship programs are common in various state and federal health departments, generally for professional training. Policy fellowships are also established in various government agencies. The Commission does not currently have explicit statutory authority to establish a fellowship program.

Analysis Prepared by: Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 4, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH

Jim Wood, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1134

Author:(Gloria) – As Introduced Ver:February 17, 2017

SUBJECT: Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission: fellowship program.

SUMMARY: Authorizes the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (Commission) to establish a fellowship program for the purpose of providing an experiential learning opportunity for a mental health consumer and a mental health professional.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), enacted by voters in 2004 as Proposition 63, to provide funds to counties to expand services, develop innovative programs, and integrated service plans for mentally ill children, adults, and seniors through a 1% income tax on personal income above $1 million.
2. Establishes the Commission to oversee the implementation of MHSA, made up of 16 individuals appointed by the Governor, and the Legislature, as specified.
3. Requires the Commission to ensure 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.
4. Specifies that the MHSA can only be amended by a two-thirds vote of both houses of the Legislature and only as long as the amendment is consistent with and furthers the intent of the MHSA. Permits provisions clarifying the procedures and terms of the MHSA to be added by majority vote.
5. Requires all expenditures for county mental health programs to be consistent with a currently approved mental health plan or update.

FISCAL EFFECT: This bill has not yet been analyzed by a fiscal committee.

COMMENTS:

1. PURPOSE OF THIS BILL. According to the author, this bill authorizes the Commission to establish a fellowship program for a mental health consumer and a mental health professional. This bill ensures that client needs are being met by providing them an opportunity to engage in policy projects with the Commission. The Commission’s fellowship will also provide mental health professionals with the opportunity to work with a state agency and gain experience they can use to enhance their careers.
2. BACKGROUND.
   1. MHSA. Proposition 63 was passed by voters in November 2004. The MHSA imposes a 1% income tax on personal income in excess of $1 million and creates the 16 member Commission charged with overseeing the implementation of MHSA. The 2016-17 Governor’s Budget projected that $1.9 billion in revenue would be deposited into the MHSF in fiscal year 2017-18. The MHSA addresses a broad continuum of prevention, early intervention, and service needs, as well as provided funding for infrastructure, technology, and training needs for the community mental health system. In addition to local programs, the MHSA authorizes up to 5% of revenues for state administrative functions performed by a variety of state entities such as the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). It also funds evaluation of the MHSA by the Commission.

The role of the Commission is to oversee the implementation of the MHSA. The Commission oversees the Adults and Older Adults Systems of Care Act; Human Resources; Innovative Programs; Prevention & Early Intervention Programs; and the Children’s Mental Health Services Act. The MHSA requires each county mental health department to prepare and submit a three-year plan to DHCS that must be updated each year and approved by DHCS after review and comment by the Commission. In their three-year plans, counties are required to include a list of all programs for which MHSA funding is being requested and that identifies how the funds will be spent and which populations will be served. Counties must submit their plans for approval to the Commission before the counties may spend certain categories of funding.

• 1. Fellowships in Public Policy. Creating a fellowship program is an established strategy to attract new voices and vision into an organization or field and to provide professional work experience or exposure for professionals new to the field. The most well-known Fellowships in California State Government are the Assembly, Senate, Executive, and Judicial Fellowships administered by the Center for California Studies which place Fellows in leadership positions in California state government.

Fellowships are well established in the Federal government as well. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a range of fellowship opportunities, including a Minority Fellowship operated in partnership with the American Psychiatric Association. Similarly, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers public health fellowships around the country. In California, the California Department of Public Health has administered a range of fellowships, including the California Epidemiological Investigation Service Fellowship Program for early career Epidemiologists, and the Champion Provider Fellowship. The California Department of State Hospitals – Vacaville offers a postdoctoral fellowship training program in an inpatient correctional mental health setting.

1. SUPPORT. The Commission, sponsor of the bill, states that the Commission is an independent state agency directed to improve oversight and accountability of the MHSA and the public mental health system. The intended outcomes in the MHSA include reducing incarcerations, school failure and dropout, unemployment, suicide, prolong suffering, and homelessness for those living with mental illness. The fellowships provided for in this bill would complement the make-up of the Commission, which includes two mental health consumers, as well as two mental health professionals appointed by the Governor. Bringing fellows with professional and life experience into the Commission's offices would fortify its ability to ensure that it has access to subject matter experts who can inform and guide the Commission's operations.
2. RELATED LEGISLATION.
   1. AB 462 (Thurmond) authorizes the Director of Employment Development Department to share information with the Commission related to quarterly wage data to assist the Commission in fulfilling its duties under the MHSA, to the extent permitted under applicable federal statute and regulation. Declares it the intent of the Legislature to authorize the Commission to receive information held by other state agencies, as it relates to outcomes established under the MHSA, for purposes of monitoring outcomes and improving the mental health system. AB 462 is pending in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
   2. AB 850 (Chau) requires the Governor to appoint an additional member to the Commission who has knowledge and experience in reducing mental health disparities, especially for racial and ethnic communities. AB 850 is pending in the Assembly Health Committee.
   3. AB 860 (Cooley) authorizes the Commission to conduct a fact-finding tour of a facility or location that is not open to the public, as specified. AB 860 is pending in the Assembly Health Committee.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

The Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (sponsor)

California Access Coalition

California Mental Health Planning Council

California Psychological Association

Opposition

None on file.

Analysis Prepared by: Paula Villescaz / HEALTH / (916) 319-2097