HARRY HUGHES, Governor

623

(A)  RULES AND REGULATIONS.

(1)  THE SECRETARY SHALL ADOPT RULES AND
REGULATIONS THAT SET STANDARDS FOR:

(I)  ELIGIBILITY FOR STATE FUNDING OF LOCAL
MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS UNDER PART I OF THIS SUBTITLE;

(II)  QUALIFICATIONS OF STAFF AND QUALITY
OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS; AND

(III)  ELIGIBILITY FOR RECEIVING SERVICES
UNDER ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS.

(2)  THE RULES AND REGULATIONS SHALL ENSURE THAT
AN INDIVIDUAL IS NOT DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BASED ON AN
INABILITY TO PAY FOR SERVICES.

(B)  ADDITIONAL DUTIES.
THE SECRETARY SHALL:

(1)  THROUGH THE REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR,
PROVIDE A COUNTY WITH CONSULTATIVE STAFF SERVICES TO HELP
ASCERTAIN LOCAL NEEDS AND PLAN AND ESTABLISH LOCAL MENTAL
HEALTH PROGRAMS;

(2)  REVIEW AND EVALUATE LOCAL PROGRAMS AND
PERSONNEL PRACTICES;

(3)  MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNING BODY
AND HEALTH OFFICER OF A COUNTY ON THE LOCAL PROGRAM AND
PERSONNEL PRACTICES;

(4)  REVIEW AND EITHER APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE THE
PLANS AND BUDGETS THAT A COUNTY GOVERNING BODY SUBMITS FOR
STATE FUNDING UNDER PART I OF THIS SUBTITLE; AND

(5)  EXERCISE ANY OTHER POWER OR DUTY REQUIRED TO
CARRY OUT THIS SUBTITLE.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section formerly appeared as
Article 43, § 1J(1).

In subsection (a)(l)(i) and (2) of this section,
the former prohibitions against discrimination
based on "race, creed, or color" are deleted as
misleading, since the Code of Fair Practices,
promulgated as Executive Order No. 01.01.1970.15,
prohibits State financial assistance to any
recipient who engages in discriminatory practices
based, not only on race, color, and creed, but
also national origin, sex, age, marital status,
physical or mental handicap, or political or