An Overview of Iowa's Mental Health and Disability Services Commission
The Iowa Mental Health and Disability Services (MHDS) Commission is the state policy-making body for the provision of services to persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities or other developmental disabilites, or brain injury. It is authorized by Section 225C.5 of the Code of Iowa.
The Commission currently consists of eighteen voting members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the Senate. Commission members are appointed on the basis of interest and experience in the fields of mental health, intellectual disabilities or other developmental disabilities, and brain injury , and to ensure adequate representation from persons with disabilites and individuals who have knowledge concerning disability services.
The Commission is required to meet at least four times a year. Members elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson annually. Commission members are appointed to three-year staggered terms and may not be appointed for more than two consecutive full terms. The representation on the Commission is as follows:
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Three members submitted by the county supervisor affiliate of the Iowa State Association of Counties.
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Two members selected from nominees submitted by the Director of the Iowa Department of Human Services.
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One member who is an active board member of a community mental health center submitted by the Iowa Association of Community Providers.
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One member who is an active board member of any agency serving persons with developmental disabilites submitted by the Iowa Association of Community Providers.
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One member who is a board member or employee of a provider of mental health or develpmental disabilites services to children.
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Two members who are administrators of the county Central Point of Coordination process submitted by the community services affiliate of the Iowa State Association of Counties.
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One member selected from nominees submitted by the State's council of the Association of Federal, State, County, and Municipal Employees.
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Three members who are service consumers or family members of service consumers: one consumer; one parent of a child who is a consumer of services; one parent or other family member of a person living at a state resource center.
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Two members selected from nominees submitted by service advocates, one of which is an active member of a statewide organization for persons with brain injury.
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One member nominated by the Iowa Behavioral Health Association who is an active board member of an agency serving persons with substance abuse problems.
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One member who is a military veteran and who is knowledgeable concerning the behavioral and mental health issues of veterans.
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In addition to the eighteen voting members, four members of the Iowa General Assembly are appointed to serve in an ex officio, non-voting capacity. One legislative member is designated by each of the following: the majority leader of the Senate, the minority leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the minority leader of the House of Representatives.
The Duties of the Commission include:
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Advising the Director of the Department of Human Services on the administration of the overall state disability services system.
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Advising the Director of the Department of Human Services, the Council on Human Services, The Governor, and the General Assembly on budgets and appropriations concerning disability services.
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Adopting necessary adminitrative rules relating to mental health and disability programs and services.
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Setting standards for the accreditation of community mental health centers, other mental health service providers, case management programs, and supported community living services.
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Coordinating activities with the Governor's Developmental Disabilities Council, the Iowa Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council, and other groups.
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Reporting annually to the Governor and the General Assembly on Commission activites an recommendations for changes in state law.
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Reporting bienially to the Governor on the availability and quality of services to persons with disabilities in each county of the state and the effectiveness of disability services provided in the state, including those provided by the state mental health institutes and state resource centers.
See Iowa Code §§ 225C.6, 229.24, 249A.12, 331.424A, 331.438-440, and 426B.4-5.
Information about Commission meetings and public access:
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Meetings of the Commission are public meetings and are conducted in accordance with Iowa's open meetings law and rules.
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Quorum for the Commission is two-thirds of the voting members. If all positions are filled, twelve of the eighteen voting members must be present (in person or by electronic means) for the Commission to take official action.
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When a quorum is present, a motion is carried by a simple majority of those qualified members present and voting.
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Copies of administrative rules and other materials considered or distributed during a meeting are made a part of the minutes.
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Copies of the minutes are kept on file in the Office of the Administratior of the Division of Mental Health and Disability Services at the Department of Human Services.
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At each meeting the Commission will determine their next meeting date. Special meetings may be called by the Chair or at the request of the majority of Commission members.
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Anyone wishing to make a presentaion at a Commission meeting should contact the Division of Mental Health and Disablitity Services, Hoover State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319, (515) 725-0131, at least 15 days prior to the Commission meeting.
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Unless otherwise specified by state administrative rule, Robert's Rules of Order will govern the conduct of the meeting.
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The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals is the authorized representative to conduct hearings and appeals for the Commission.
See Iowa Code § 225C.5, IAC 441-1.6.
Meeting notices and other information are distributed by email about one week prior to Commission meetings. For current information about Commission meetings and activities, or to be added to the electronic distribution list to receive meeting notices, contact:
Connie B. Fanselow
Division of Mental Health & Disability Services
Iowa Department of Human Services
Hoover State Office Building, 5th Floor
1305 E. Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-725-0131
Fax: 515-242-6036
Email: cfansel@dhs.state.ia.us
Revised 07-2011
Membership
2011 Meetings 2012 Meetings
Reports & Recommendations
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