1032

LAWS OF MARYLAND

[Ch. 125

REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CITY'S COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH
CENTERS TO SERVE AS AN EX OFFICIO MEMBER. The local
health officer shall provide staff services to the
committee and facilitate the work of the committee in
every way possible.

Two or more counties by agreement of the governing
bodies concerned and upon the consent of the Commissioner
of Rental Hygiene with the approval of the [State Board]
SECRETARY of Health and Mental Hygiene, may establish a
community mental health program and an intercounty
advisory committee, if the population of one of the
counties is too small to warrant establishment of an
independent program.

(c) The function of each community mental health
advisory committee shall be to:

(1) Periodically review WITH THE ADVICE AND
ASSISTANCE OF THE REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR
available servicers and facilities and determine local
mental health program needs;

(2) Advise and report annually to the local health
officer, the APPROPRIATE governing [body(ies)] BODY, and
THROUGH THE REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR to the
Commissioner of Rental Hygiene on progress of the local
mental health program and of actions needed for further
improvements; and

(3) Make recommendations for appropriate allocation
of funds in accordance with agreed upon priorities and
consideration of financial resources (private, public,
and State).

(i) The health officer for each county and for
Baltimore City shall be responsible for the local mental
health services program and shall:

(1)   Consult with the local regional mental health
director in planning for various program components;

(2)  Prepare WITH THE ADVICE OF THE REGIONAL MENTAL
HEALTH DIRECTOR an annual plan and budget for provision
of services, establishment of facilities, contracting for
services or facilities and other matters necessary or
desirable to accomplish the purposes of the act;

(3)   Assure that the qualifications of personnel and
the quality of professional services rendered meet the
standards prescribed by the Commissioner of Mental
Hygiene with the approval of the [State Board] SECRETARY
of Health and Mental Hygiene;