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Real progress is taking place since behavioral health reform was
created by LB 1083 in the 2004 Legislative Session.
Governor Mike Johanns signed LB 1083, the Nebraska Behavioral Health
Services Act, into law on April 14, 2004. Governor Johanns and Senator
Jim Jensen worked in partnership on passage of this historic legislation,
which will allow persons with mental illness to be served closer
to their home communities, support systems, family and friends,
while providing safety and protection for the individuals and the
community.
Through the passage of such legislation, the Behavioral Health Oversight
Commission was created. Senator Jim Jensen appointed 20 members
to the commission in June 2004. Representatives of the Legislature,
consumers and consumer advocacy organizations, behavioral health
providers, the communities of Norfolk and Hastings, state employees,
regional behavioral health authorities, mental health boards, and
law enforcement are each represented on the panel.
Under the direction of the Health and Human Services Committee of
the Legislature, the commission oversees and supports the implementation
of the Nebraska Behavioral Health Services Act. In addition, they
administer funds as appropriated by the Legislature from the Nebraska
Health Care Cash Fund for such purpose.
The commission looks to concerned citizens of Nebraska in providing
insight and information in regards to behavioral health reform efforts.
Anyone interestedencouraged to attend the commission meetings and
provide public comment.
For updated meeting information or to access
the Commission's reports please visit www.hhs.state.ne.us/beh/reform/oversight.htm
or www.unicam.state.ne.us/committees/bhoc.htm.
Notices of the Behavioral Health Oversight Commission meetings will
be posted on the State of Nebraska web site at http://www.nebraska.gov/calendar/index.cgi
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