(a)  There is hereby created a permanent legislative commission entitled “permanent legislative oversight commission on substance abuse treatment” the purpose of which shall be to oversee the implementation and administration of all money and programs in substance-abuse treatment in the state and to report to the general assembly with advice and recommendations as to the adequacy, efficacy, and efficiency of all statutes, rules, regulations, guidelines, practices, and programs relating to substance abuse treatment and such other related matters as it deems appropriate.

Ask an insurance law question, get an answer ASAP!
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

(b)  The commission shall consist of ten (10) members; five (5) members shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives from among the members of the house of representatives, not more than four (4) of whom shall be from the same political party; three (3) members shall be appointed by the president of the senate from among the members of the senate, not more than two (2) of whom shall be from the same political party; and one member (ex officio) shall be the director of MHRH, or his or her designee; and one member shall be the director of the department of health in the executive department, or his or her designee. The chairperson of the commission shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, except that they shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties under this section.

(c)  The commission may request and shall receive from any instrumentality of the state, including the division of substance abuse of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, the department of health in the executive department, department of children, youth and families, department of human services and other departments as the commission sees fit and from any municipality or any instrumentality thereof, information and assistance as it deems necessary for the proper execution of its powers and duties under this section.

(d)  The commission shall meet at least quarterly and shall report at least annually to the general assembly on its findings and recommendations with respect to:

(1)  All existing substance abuse treatment programs; and

(2)  Any matters relating to substance abuse treatment efforts in the state.