The Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Developmental Disabilities,
and Brain Injury (MHMRDDBI) Commission

The Division of MDHS works closely with the Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Developmental Disabilities, and Brain Injury (MHMRDDBI) Commission regarding the mental health and disability services system. 

The MHMRDDBI Commission is the state policy-making body for the provision of services to persons with mental illness, mental retardation or other developmental disabilities, or brain injury.  The Commission consists of seventeen voting members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the Senate. 

MEMBERS:  Commission members are appointed on the basis of interest and experience in the fields of mental health, mental retardation or other developmental disabilities, and brain injury, to ensure adequate representation from persons with disabilities and individuals who have knowledge concerning disability services.    Commission members are appointed to three-year staggered terms and may not be appointed for more than two consecutive terms.   The representation on the Commission is as follows:

  • Three members submitted by the county supervisor affiliate of the Iowa State Association of Counties
  • Two members selected from nominees submitted by the Director of the Iowa Department of Human Services
  • One member who is an active board member of a community mental health center submitted by the Iowa Association of Community Providers
  • One member who is an active board member of any agency serving persons with developmental disabilities submitted by the Iowa Association of Community Providers
  • One member who is a board member or employee of a provider of mental health or developmental disabilities services to children
  • 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
  • One member selected from nominees submitted by the State’s council of the Association of Federal, State, County, and Municipal Employees.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • One member nominated by the Iowa Behavioral Health Association who is an active board member of an agency serving persons with substance abuse problems (added by SF 2425 in 2008). 
  • In addition to the voting members listed above, four members of the Iowa General Assembly 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 voting members of the Commission elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson annually. 

The Duties of the MHMRDDBI Commission include:

  • Advising the Director of the Department of Human Services on the administration of the overall state disability services system.
  • 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.
  • Adopting necessary administrative rules relating to disability programs and services.
  • Setting standards and approving accreditation for community mental health centers, other mental health providers, case management programs, supported community living services.
  • Coordinating activities with the Governor's Developmental Disabilities Council.
  • Setting standards and approving accreditation for community mental health centers, other mental health service providers, case management programs, supported community living services.
  • Reporting annually to the Governor and the General Assembly on Commission activities and recommendations for changes in state law.
  • Reporting biennially to the Governor on the availability and quality of services to persons with disabilities in each county of the state.  
  • Reporting biennially to the Governor on the effectiveness of disability services provided in the state, including those provided by the state mental health institutes and state resource centers.

Information about MHMRDDBI Commission meetings and public access:

MEETINGS:  The Commission is required to meet at least four times year.  Currently regular meetings are scheduled for the third Thursday of every month.  Meetings are often held in the Des Moines area, but are sometimes held at other locations around the state.  Commission meetings are public meetings and are open to anyone who is interested in attending.  The agenda is available prior to each meeting, and time is made available for public comment at each meeting.

  • Quorum for the Commission is two-thirds of the voting members.  Twelve of the seventeen voting members must be present (in person or by electronic means) for the Commission to take official action.  
  • When a quorum is present a motion is carried by a simple majority of those qualified members present and voting.
  • Copies of administrative rules and other materials considered during a meeting will be made a part of the minutes.
  • Copies of the minutes are kept on file in the Office of the Administrator of the Division of Mental Health and Disability Services at the Department of Human Services.
  • At each meeting the Commission will determine their next meeting date, if it has not already been set. Special meetings may be called by the Chair or at the request of the majority of Commission members.
  • Anyone wishing to make a presentation at a Commission meeting should contact the Administrator, Division of Mental Health and Disability Services, Hoover State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0114, (515) 281-5874, at least 15 days prior to the Commission meeting.
  • Unless otherwise specified by state administrative rule, Robert’s Rules of Order will govern the conduct of the meeting.
  • The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals is the authorized representative to conduct hearings and appeals for the Commission.

For current information about Commission meetings and activities, contact:

Connie B. Fanselow
Technical Assistance Specialist
Division of Mental Health & Disability Services
Iowa Department of Human Services
Hoover State Office Building, 5th Floor SW
1305 E. Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone:  515-281-5338
Fax:  515-242-6036                    
Email:  cfansel@dhs.state.ia.us

Operations

2009 Meetings

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Reports

 
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