4040-4045
WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS CODE
SECTION 4040-4045
4040. The State Department of Mental Health may conduct, or contract for, research or evaluation studies which have application to policy and management issues. In selecting areas for study the department shall be guided by the information needs of state and local policymakers and managers, and suggestions from the California Conference of Local Mental Health Directors. 4041. The department shall serve as a clearinghouse for information on research and evaluation studies relevant to mental health. The department shall review and disseminate the results of local, state, and national research and evaluation studies that have important implications for mental health policy or management. 4042. The department shall cooperate and coordinate with other state and local agencies engaged in research and evaluation studies. Effort shall be made to coordinate with research, evaluation, and demonstration efforts of local mental health programs, state hospitals serving the mentally disordered, the Department of Rehabilitation, the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, the State Department of Developmental Services, the State Department of Health Services, universities, and other special projects conducted or contracted for by the State Department of Mental Health. 4043. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the department provide leadership in the establishment and funding of mental health research projects. The projects shall lead to better understanding of the etiology of serious mental illness and the development of treatment alternatives necessary to meet the needs of the citizens of this state. (b) The director shall appoint a Mental Health Research Advisory Committee. The committee shall consult with program administrators, providers, consumers, families, and research scientists. The committee shall advise and assist the director in establishing research priorities and in other research related activities as appropriate. 4044. Research performed pursuant to this chapter shall have as a priority serious mental disorders. Research shall be conducted in, or in collaboration with, state or local mental health program facilities that serve public needs. In order to preserve continuity, research programs may be funded for up to five years depending upon the nature of the project and availability of funds. 4045. In order to improve the quality of mental health care in this state, a portion of the funding for research pursuant to this chapter shall be used to provide technical advice, consultation, and education on diagnosis and treatment within the public mental health system upon request of a county.