Okaloosa County BOCC — February 2, 2016 — Resolution SB 1336 and HB 979

RESOLUTION NO. 16-______ RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA SUPPORTING FLORIDA SENATE BILL SB 1336 AND FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BILL HB 979 PERTAINING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, mental health and substance use disorders are diseases of the brain; are complex medical conditions that encompass biological, genetic, psychological, cultural, and social factors; and are subspecialties within the field of medical practice; and WHEREAS, behavioral health disorders may temporarily or permanently affect a person’s ability to reason, exercise good judgment, recognize the need for services, or sufficiently provide self-care; and WHEREAS, the responsibility for such a person’s care must be delegated to a third party and may be vested in an authorized, licensed, qualified health professional who can provide behavioral health services; and WHEREAS, Okaloosa County recognizes the importance of authorizing licensed, qualified health professionals to exercise the full authority of their respective scopes of practice in the performance of professional functions necessary to carry out the intent of this part; and WHEREAS, it is also recognized that local systems of acute care services use a common protocol and apply consistent practice standards that provide for nondiscriminatory and equitable access to the level and duration of care based on the specific needs and preferences of the persons served; and WHEREAS, services provided to persons in this state use the coordination-of-care principles characteristic of recovery-oriented services and include social support services, such as housing support, life skills and vocational training, and employment assistance, necessary for persons with mental health and substance use disorders to live successfully in their communities; and WHEREAS, SB 1336/HB 979 would require behavioral health managing entities to coordinate service delivery plans with Okaloosa County and provide responsibilities of the County government for designation of receiving facilities for the examination and assessment of persons with mental health or substance use disorders; and WHEREAS, if adopted by the Florida Legislature and adequately funded through State appropriations, the changes authorized by SB 1336/HB 979 would benefit Okaloosa County by 1 revising legislative intent with respect to mental health and substance abuse treatment services provided by our County. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA AS FOLLOWS: 1. That the above recitals are true and are incorporated herein as if fully set forth. 2. That the Board of County Commissioners of Okaloosa County support the adoption of SB 1336 and HB 979 and if adopted by the Florida Legislature, to adequately provide funding through State appropriations to implement its provisions. 3. This Resolution shall become effective upon adoption. DULY ADOPTED this 2nd day of February, 2016. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA ________________________________ CHARLES K. WINDES, JR., CHAIRMAN ATTEST: J. D. PEACOCK, II Clerk of the Circuit Court By: __________________________ Deputy Clerk (Seal) APPROVED AS TO FORM: By: ______________________________ Gregory T. Stewart County Attorney 2