§ 20-47-1006 — Deaf Services Coordinator - Advisory committee

(a) In order to provide culturally affirmative mental health services and linguistically appropriate mental health services to clients, the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services shall employ a Deaf Services Coordinator to coordinate and oversee the implementation of these mental health services statewide. (b) The coordinator shall: (1) Be competent and have extensive experience in providing mental health services to clients; (2) Be fluent in American Sign Language and possess a thorough understanding of the deaf community and culture; (3) Have at least three (3) years of experience providing one-on-one services to clients; (4) Possess: (A) A master's degree or higher in a behavioral health or clinical field; and (B) The skill, knowledge, and experience in adapting and developing policies and procedures based on the actual service needs of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing; and (5) Know and understand applicable state laws and rules and federal laws and regulations. (c) The coordinator shall: (1) Ensure that: (A) Culturally affirmative mental health services and linguistically appropriate mental health services are accessible statewide; and (B) The provision of appropriate consultation, training, and technical assistance is accessible to mental health professionals in various settings, including without limitation inpatient, outpatient, and residential programs; (2) Serve as a professional liaison to other state agencies or boards for the collaboration needed to maximize the use of in-state resources and joint planning; (3) Develop a model for a statewide system of care for culturally affirmative mental health services and linguistically appropriate mental health services for clients that includes without limitation: (A) Standards of care for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, including standards for American Sign Language fluency required in providing care in mental health settings; (B) Guidelines to measure the proficiency of a mental health professional in any communication method; and (C) A partnership with the Advisory Board for Interpreters between Hearing Individuals and Individuals who are Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing, or Oral Deaf; (4) Collaborate with state and private mental health professionals throughout the state to assist and ensure compliance with federal and state laws relating to mental health services for clients; (5) Collect and evaluate clinical and programmatic outcome data from mental health professionals serving individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing; (6) Distribute funds or grants to public and private mental health professionals to achieve optimum service delivery within the system of care; and (7) Provide: (A) Reports as requested by the Director of the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services; and (B) Clinical and administrative case consultation to mental health professionals when appropriate regarding culturally affirmative mental health services and linguistically appropriate mental health services to clients. (d) (1) The coordinator shall establish an advisory committee to make recommendations and provide advice and assistance concerning the implementation of this subchapter. (2) (A) The advisory committee shall consist of ten (10) individuals appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services. (B) The advisory committee shall consist of: (i) Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing; (ii) Parents or legal guardians of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing; (iii) Certified mental health professionals; (iv) Interpreters; and (v) Educators who are licensed in this state to teach individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. (C) At least fifty-one percent (51%) of the advisory committee shall be individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. (D) The members shall serve a two-year term and may be reappointed. (3) (A) The coordinator shall call the first meeting within thirty (30) days of establishing the advisory committee. (B) The advisory committee shall meet at least quarterly after the first meeting is held. (4) (A) Members of the advisory committee are voluntary and shall not receive compensation, wages, or salary due to membership on the advisory committee. (B) (i) Members of the advisory committee may receive reimbursement for travel and other expenses under § 25-16-902 with the approval of the coordinator. (ii) However, the coordinator shall use technology and other available resources to avoid excessive and unnecessary costs related to member reimbursement.

Legislative History

Added by Act 2019, No. 644,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.