36-217

36-217. Arizona state hospital advisory board; membership; organization; powers and duties; annual report

A. An Arizona state hospital advisory board is established consisting of the following thirteen members appointed by the governor:

1. Four members representing families of current or former patients at the state hospital.

2. One member who is not a licensed health care provider pursuant to title 32 and who is not an employee of a health care institution.

3. One attorney licensed to practice law in this state pursuant to title 32, chapter 2.

4. One former juvenile court judge or commissioner.

5. One former superior court judge or commissioner.

6. One member representing a public fiduciary.

7. One physician who is not a psychiatrist and who is licensed to practice in this state pursuant to title 32, chapter 13 or 17.

8. One member from the corporate industry.

9. One member from the banking community.

10. One member from the insurance industry.

B. The state hospital superintendent shall serve as an ex officio member of the board and shall attend all board meetings.

C. Each board member shall serve a term of three years.

D. The board shall hold its initial meeting no later than thirty days after the members are appointed. After its initial meeting the board shall meet at the call of the chairman. The board shall meet at least four times a year.

E. At its initial meeting the board shall elect from among its membership a chairman and any other officers that the board deems necessary. A majority of the board constitutes a quorum.

F. Board members are not eligible to receive compensation but are eligible for reimbursement from the department for expenses pursuant to title 38, chapter 4, article 2.

G. The division shall supply staff and other services to the board.

H. The board has the following powers and duties:

1. To advise the deputy director and superintendent in determining goals for the state hospital and assist in evaluating the achievement of those goals.

2. To advise the deputy director and superintendent with respect to hospital facilities, maintenance, staffing, programs, services and policies.

3. To monitor compliance with standards for patients' rights.

4. To review all budget requests regarding the state hospital and advise the deputy director, the superintendent and the legislature concerning the annual budget for the state hospital.

5. To assist in educating the community concerning the role of the state hospital in meeting the needs of the mentally ill.

6. To review and advise the deputy director and superintendent on the coordination of services, programs and policies between the state hospital and community mental health care programs and facilities, including admission, discharge and aftercare.

7. To review and advise the deputy director and superintendent regarding contracts for use of hospital facilities for other programs, services and agencies.

8. To assist in identifying and obtaining alternative funding sources for state hospital programs.

9. To carry out other responsibilities as the deputy director may request.

I. The board shall submit an annual report by January 1 of each year to the deputy director, the governor, the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives. The annual report shall address the following topics:

1. The extent to which the state hospital is meeting the needs of its patients.

2. The extent to which the state hospital is effectively participating in the behavioral health continuum of care.

3. Legislative recommendations for the state hospital.

4. Budget recommendations for the state hospital.

J. The deputy director shall meet with the board at least twice a year at the call of the chairman or of a quorum of the board.