From the desk of Doreen Del Bianco, Legislative Program Manager

Believe it or not, it is that time of year again! We have been asked to think about what changes we need in the current statutes for submission during the 2007 Legislative session (which begins on January 3, 2007). I would like to take this opportunity to ask each of you for your suggestions. The process that we must follow has us submitting our finalized "package" of legislative proposals to the Office of Policy and Management on Monday, October 2nd. In order to allow enough time to meet that deadline, I need your input no later than Monday, September 11, 2006.

I am seeking ideas for statutory changes that would promote recovery, improve service delivery or patient care, streamline current administrative procedures or which may replace outmoded language in the current statutes (such as outdated requirements for studies/reports, pilot programs which have ended, etc.). To get as broad a range of suggestions as possible, please feel free to share this with as many folks as you can (advocates, families, providers, etc.).

To assist you, I enclose a copy of the criteria developed at a DMHAS legislative retreat a few years ago in order to "weigh" potential ideas for inclusion in the DMHAS legislative package, because I believe that these points are still relevant. I would be happy to meet with groups in late August or early September (or to speak with you by phone) if you would like to discuss whatever legislation you believe is necessary to enable DMHAS and its constituency groups to carry out our mission in the most productive way.

Please call me at (860) 418-6967 to set up a meeting in late August or early September or get me your drafts no later than Monday, September 11, 2006. That should leave enough time for the DMHAS Executive Committee to assess the need for the change(s) people have proposed, as well as to prepare the draft legislative package and supporting documentation for submission to OPM by their deadline.

We have enjoyed several victories over the past few years that I believe are due to a wide array of participation by people in recovery, families, providers, advocates, DMHAS employees, etc., throughout the entire legislative process. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this. I look forward to receiving your suggestions.

Criteria for Inclusion in the DMHAS Legislative Package

Current Statutes:

Are you aware of any current statutes that need to be revised (i.e., perhaps the duties contained therein may have changed or the statutory requirement for a report is no longer necessary, etc.)?

Ideas for New Legislation:

• Is the suggested change one that is client-recovery focused?
• Is it supported by evidence-based practices?
• Is such a change consistent with (or on the cutting edge of) national trends?
• Is it one that would not stigmatize our client population?
• Would the proposed change streamline any current administrative procedure(s)?
• Would this proposal help to eliminate barriers? In what way?
• Would the suggested change promote "collaboration" (such as with providers or other agencies)?
• What is the efficacy of the proposed change, versus its impact?
• What are the potential costs (or savings) involved if this suggestion does get implemented?
• Would the proposed change affect another agency or agencies? If so, please indicate which ones.
• Is the suggested change one that is doable?
• Is it necessary?
• What is the timing for implementation?
• Who will be for (or against) this change (i.e., which stakeholders or groups would support this change, and which individuals or groups are likely to oppose it)?