State Designated Local Authority
The concept of local authorities originated in Texas in 1984, as an administrative
act of the TDMHMR commissioner, acting as the state authority. The local
mental health and mental retardation authorities were conceived as entities
at the local level to which TDMHMR could delegate its authority. Originally,
the designation was related to service provision and lead responsibility
for addressing the needs of individuals returned to their home communities
from state schools and state hospitals. Community centers were named as the
local authorities in the areas they served, and state facilities' community
services division fulfilled these functions in areas not served by a local
center. Local authorities were added to the Health and Safety Code and statutory
provisions required that community centers be given preference as the designated
Local Authority.
House Bill 2377, passed by the 74th session of the Legislature, was the
catalyst for significant changes in the understanding of the concept of local
authority. The state authority was authorized to delegate responsibilities
to local entities. House Bill 2377 introduced the important concepts of consumer
choice and best value, and placed the responsibility of ensuring both quality
and cost-effectiveness on the Local Authority as it develops and manages
a network of providers.
In the 75th Legislature, the concept of the local authority was taken a
step further with House Bill 1734 which removed the statutory preference
given to community centers and required that a process be developed to determine
which community centers could be formally recognized as Local Authorities.
For more information regarding Travis County's Local Authority, its purpose
and responsibility, see Appendix B.
Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center served in developing
best practices and the agency is one of three pilot sites in Texas to further
develop rules and standards.
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Description of Adult Mental Health Home Page
City/County Designated Local Authority
Under an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement executed by the City of Austin
and Travis County local governments, the Austin Travis County Mental Health
Mental Retardation Center's responsibilities include (City of Austin, 1996,
January 5):
- Lead in assessment, planning functions relative to mental health,
mental retardation, and substance abuse services in support of the Community
Action
Network.
- Include community providers and participants in a process of collecting
data and input on community needs and strengths.
- Lead CAN mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse planning
activities and identify the critical issue areas to be addressed
in the CAN application process.
- Participate in CAN performance review for contracted services.
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Description of Adult Mental Health Home Page
Adult Mental Health Home Page
