HARRY HUGHES, Governor

525

(1)  TO BEST PROVIDE FOR THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS
WHO HAVE MENTAL DISORDERS, THE DIRECTOR SHALL:

(I)  DIVIDE THIS STATE INTO DISTRICTS THAT
CORRESPOND TO THE AVAILABILITY OF STATE FACILITIES; AND

(II)  APPOINT, FOR EACH DISTRICT, A
REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR WHO SHALL:

1.   ACT AS A DEPUTY OF THE DIRECTOR;

2.  COORDINATE THE LOCAL MENTAL
HEALTH PROGRAMS IN THE DISTRICT; AND

3.   REPRESENT THE DIRECTOR IN
CARRYING OUT THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR FOR THE
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND FACILITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

(2)  THE DIRECTOR MAY CHANGE THE LIMITS OF THESE
DISTRICTS AS THE DIRECTOR CONSIDERS NECESSARY. THE DIRECTOR
SHALL NOTIFY THE GOVERNING BODY OF EACH SUBDIVISION THAT A
CHANGE AFFECTS.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This subsection is new language derived
without substantive change from former Article
43, § 1J(h) and the first and second sentences of
former Article 59, § 8(e).

In paragraph (l)(i) of this subsection, the
defined term "State facilit{ies}" is
substituted for the overly broad reference to
"facilities", in accordance with the reference in
former Article 43, § IJ(h) to "State psychiatric
hospitals".

In paragraph (2) of this subsection, the former
phrase "in his discretion" is deleted as
unnecessary in light of the word "may".

The third sentence of former Article 59, § 8(e),
which required the approval of the Secretary, is
deleted as unnecessary in light of the broad
powers of the Secretary under § 10-203 of this
subtitle.

Defined terms: "Director" § 10-101

"Mental disorder" § 10-101 "Secretary" § 1-101

"State facility" § 10-101

(G) RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.

(1) THE DIRECTOR SHALL ESTABLISH PROGRAMS FOR
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CARE AND TREATMENT FOR
INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE MENTAL DISORDERS.