TITLE: Relating to a comprehensive plan for increasing and improving the workforce in this state that serves persons with mental health and substance use issues.

SUMMARY: Relating to a comprehensive plan for increasing and improving the workforce in this state that serves persons with mental health and substance use issues.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a comprehensive plan for increasing and improving the workforce in this state that serves persons with mental health and substance use issues. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 531.02251 to read as follows: Sec. 531.02251. COMPREHENSIVE WORKFORCE PLAN FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE. (a) The commission shall develop and implement a comprehensive plan to increase and improve the workforce in this state to serve persons with mental health and substance use issues. In developing the plan, the commission shall analyze and consider available studies, reports, and recommendations regarding that segment of the workforce in this state or elsewhere. (b) The plan must include: (1) a strategy and timeline for implementing the plan, including short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals; (2) a system for monitoring the implementation of the plan; and (3) a method for evaluating the outcomes of the plan. SECTION 2. Not later than September 1, 2018, the Health and Human Services Commission shall develop and begin implementing the plan required under Section 531.02251, Government Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.