(a) Consistent with the purposes and policies of this subtitle, the commissioner biennially shall determine:
(1) the types of mental health services that can be most economically and effectively provided at the community level for persons exhibiting various forms of mental disability; and
(2) the types of mental health services that can be most economically and effectively provided by department facilities.
(b) In the determination, the commissioner shall assess the limits, if any, that should be placed on the duration of mental health services provided at the community level or at a department facility.

(c) The department biennially shall review the types of services the department provides and shall determine if a community provider can provide services of a comparable quality at a lower cost than the department’s costs.
(d) The commissioner’s findings shall guide the department in planning and administering services for persons with mental illness.