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 also 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.
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