Board: Alaska Mental Health Board
Board identification number: 063
Department: Health
Authority: AS 44.29.800; PL 99-660
Status: Active
Sunset date:
Requirements: No Legislative Confirmation or Financial Disclosure required
Prohibitions: None
Term: 3 years
Chair: Board elects.
Description: The board consists of no fewer than 12 or more than 16 members appointed by the Governor with due regard for demographics and balanced geographic representation. Not less than one-half of the members are persons with a mental disorder identified in AS 47.30.056(b)(1) or members of their families. Board members shall include at least two licensed mental health professionals who represent public and private mental health service providers, and at least one member who is admitted to practice law in the state. Nonvoting members include the director of the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, and may include representatives of principal state agencies with respect to education, vocational rehabilitation, criminal justice, housing, social services, medical assistance, substance abuse, and aging.
Function: The board serves as a state planning and coordinating body for federal and state laws relating to mental health services for persons with mental disorders identified in AS 47.30.056(b)(1). Prepare comprehensive plan of treatment and rehabilitation services and annual implementation plan. Advocate the needs of persons with mental disorders before the governor executive agencies, the legislature and the public. Provide a public forum for mental health issues. Advise the Legislature, Governor, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, and other state agencies regarding the development and evaluation of services for persons with mental disorders. Provide recommendations to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority concerning the integrated comprehensive mental health program for the mentally ill (AS 47.30.056(b)(1)) and the use of mental health trust income funds. Submit periodic reports regarding its activities.
Special facts: The board selects an executive director who is directly responsible to the board. Members may be removed for cause, including poor attendance or lack of contribution to the board’s work. A vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the Governor for the unexpired portion of the term.
Compensation: Standard Travel and Per Diem
Meetings: Winter, Spring, and Fall; normally 3 day meetings.
For further information and to reach individual members, contact:
Stephanie Hopkins
Executive Director
Alaska Mental Health Board
P.O. Box 110608
Juneau, AK 99811-0608
Phone: 907-465-4667
Fax:
