AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-21-140, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ESTABLISH THE MISSISSIPPI HELPING ENSURE ALTERNATIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRANSPORTATION FOR HEALING (MISSHEALTH) PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRANSPORTING INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH OR BEHAVIORAL CRISIS TO A HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT FACILITY; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROGRAM'S IMPLEMENTATION IS SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROGRAM SHALL BE JOINTLY ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DIVISION OF MEDICAID; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH TO ESTABLISH GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR THE PARTICIPATION IN THE MISSHEALTH PILOT PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE GRANT RECIPIENTS TO PROVIDE A 25% FUNDING MATCH OF THE TOTAL GRANT FUNDS RECEIVED; TO ALLOW LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO CONTRACT WITH ONE OR MORE THIRD PARTIES OR OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO TRANSPORT INDIVIDUALS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE THAT CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THIS ACT ARE SUBJECT TO AUDIT BY THE OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR; TO PRESCRIBE THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH GRANT FUNDS RECEIVED UNDER THE MISSHEALTH PILOT PROGRAM MAY BE USED; TO PROVIDE FOR TELEHEALTH EVALUATION OF INDIVIDUALS IF AVAILABLE TO DETERMINE NEED FOR ADMISSION; TO PRESCRIBE THE MANNER BY WHICH THE ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF NEED FOR TRANSPORT MAY BE DETERMINED AND PROVIDED TO THE TRANSPORTING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BY THE COMPLETING PHYSICIAN, PSYCHOLOGIST OR DESIGNATED PROFESSIONAL; TO REQUIRE THE COMPLETING PHYSICIAN, PSYCHOLOGIST OR DESIGNATED PROFESSIONAL TO INFORM THE TRANSPORTING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY THAT THE HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT FACILITY OF ADMISSION HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND HAS AVAILABLE SUITABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE INDIVIDUALS IN CRISIS; TO REQUIRE THE TRANSPORTING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR TRANSPORTATION AGENT TO NOTIFY THE ADMITTING HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT FACILITY OF AN ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL; TO REQUIRE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR TRANSPORTATION AGENT TO REMAIN AT THE HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT FACILITY LONG ENOUGH FOR THE INDIVIDUAL TO BE EVALUATED FOR ADMISSION, BUT NOT TO EXCEED TWO HOURS; TO PROVIDE THAT IF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE AN ARREST AND A PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATED BY A CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM HAS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE INDIVIDUAL SUBJECT TO ARREST IS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL OR BEHAVIORAL CRISIS, THE PERSON MAY BE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY WITHOUT A CIVIL ORDER OR WARRANT FOR IMMEDIATE MENTAL EXAMINATION TO DETERMINE NEED FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TREATMENT AT A HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT FACILITY; TO REQUIRE IMMEDIATE EXAMINATION OF INDIVIDUALS SO DETAINED BY A PHYSICIAN, PSYCHOLOGIST OR DESIGNATED PROFESSIONAL TO DETERMINE IF SUCH PERSON IS SUBJECT TO ADMISSION TO A HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT FACILITY; TO PRESCRIBE THE PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED UPON A DETERMINATION BY THE EVALUATING PHYSICIAN, PSYCHOLOGIST OR DESIGNATED PROFESSIONAL IF THE PERSON IS OR IS NOT TO BE ADMITTED INTO A HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT FACILITY; TO DEFINE THE TERM "QUALIFIED ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDER" AND PRESCRIBE THE PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED BY SUCH INDIVIDUALS WHEN EVALUATING AND RECOMMENDING ADMISSION FOR PERSONS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS; TO PRESCRIBE THE DUTY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OR TRANSPORTATION AGENTS TO RETURN INDIVIDUALS SUSPECTED OF EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS WHO ARE DETERMINED NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION BACK TO THE COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY OF ORIGIN WHERE THE INITIAL INTERACTION OCCURRED; TO PROVIDE CIVIL AND CRIMINAL IMMUNITY TO HOSPITALS, TREATMENT FACILITIES AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS FROM CLAIMS ARISING FROM DETERMINATIONS OF ADMISSION AND FROM TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS TO AND FROM SUCH FACILITIES; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH TO PROVIDE TRAINING ON MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS MANAGEMENT FOR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES' PERSONNEL AND FOR TRANSPORTATION AGENTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-1-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE MISSISSIPPI ARCHITECT LICENSING LAWS TO AUTHORIZE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY FIRMS TO INCLUDE ARCHITECTS, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS AS LONG AS ONE ACTIVE MEMBER OR STOCKHOLDER OF THE FIRM HOLDS A CERTIFICATE TO PRACTICE ARCHITECTURE IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI; TO AMEND SECTION 73-2-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO A PERSON INDICATING HE OR SHE IS PRACTICING LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE OR IS A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-4-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR APPOINTMENT OF THE MEMBERS OF THE STATE BOARD OF MENTAL HEALTH; TO AMEND SECTION 41-4-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE SENATE AND TO SERVE FOR A TERM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-21-140, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ESTABLISH THE MISSISSIPPI HELPING ENSURE ALTERNATIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRANSPORTATION FOR HEALING (MISSHEALTH) PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRANSPORTING INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH OR BEHAVIORAL CRISIS TO A HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT FACILITY; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROGRAM'S IMPLEMENTATION IS SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROGRAM SHALL BE JOINTLY ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DIVISION OF MEDICAID; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH TO ESTABLISH GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR THE PARTICIPATION IN THE MISSHEALTH PILOT PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE GRANT RECIPIENTS TO PROVIDE A 25% FUNDING MATCH OF THE TOTAL GRANT FUNDS RECEIVED; TO ALLOW LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO CONTRACT WITH ONE OR MORE THIRD PARTIES OR OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO TRANSPORT INDIVIDUALS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE THAT CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THIS ACT ARE SUBJECT TO AUDIT BY THE OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR; TO PRESCRIBE THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH GRANT FUNDS RECEIVED UNDER THE MISSHEALTH PILOT PROGRAM MAY BE USED; TO PROVIDE FOR TELEHEALTH EVALUATION OF INDIVIDUALS IF AVAILABLE TO DETERMINE NEED FOR ADMISSION; TO PRESCRIBE THE MANNER BY WHICH THE ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF NEED FOR TRANSPORT MAY BE DETERMINED AND PROVIDED TO THE TRANSPORTING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BY THE COMPLETING PHYSICIAN, PSYCHOLOGIST OR DESIGNATED PROFESSIONAL; TO REQUIRE THE COMPLETING PHYSICIAN, PSYCHOLOGIST OR DESIGNATED PROFESSIONAL TO INFORM THE TRANSPORTING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY THAT THE HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT FACILITY OF ADMISSION HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND HAS AVAILABLE SUITABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE INDIVIDUALS IN CRISIS; TO REQUIRE THE TRANSPORTING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR TRANSPORTATION AGENT TO NOTIFY THE ADMITTING HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT FACILITY OF AN ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL; TO REQUIRE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR TRANSPORTATION AGENT TO REMAIN AT THE HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT FACILITY LONG ENOUGH FOR THE INDIVIDUAL TO BE EVALUATED FOR ADMISSION, BUT NOT TO EXCEED TWO HOURS; TO PROVIDE THAT IF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE AN ARREST AND A PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATED BY A CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM HAS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE INDIVIDUAL SUBJECT TO ARREST IS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL OR BEHAVIORAL CRISIS, THE SUCH PERSON MAY BE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY WITHOUT A CIVIL ORDER OR WARRANT FOR IMMEDIATE MENTAL EXAMINATION TO DETERMINE NEED FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TREATMENT AT A HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT FACILITY; TO REQUIRE IMMEDIATE EXAMINATION OF INDIVIDUALS SO DETAINED BY A PHYSICIAN, PSYCHOLOGIST OR DESIGNATED PROFESSIONAL TO DETERMINE IF SUCH PERSON IS SUBJECT TO ADMISSION TO A HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT FACILITY; TO PRESCRIBE THE PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED UPON A DETERMINATION BY THE EVALUATING PHYSICIAN, PSYCHOLOGIST OR DESIGNATED PROFESSIONAL IF THE PERSON IS OR IS NOT TO BE ADMITTED INTO A HOSPITAL OR TREATMENT FACILITY; TO DEFINE THE TERM "QUALIFIED ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDER AND PRESCRIBE THE PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED BY SUCH INDIVIDUALS WHEN EVALUATING AND RECOMMENDING ADMISSION FOR PERSONS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS; TO PRESCRIBE THE DUTY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OR TRANSPORTATION AGENTS TO RETURN INDIVIDUALS SUSPECTED OF EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS WHO ARE DETERMINED NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION BACK TO THE COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY OF ORIGIN WHERE THE INITIAL INTERACTION OCCURRED; TO PROVIDE CIVIL AND CRIMINAL IMMUNITY TO HOSPITALS, TREATMENT FACILITIES AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS FROM CLAIMS ARISING FROM DETERMINATIONS OF ADMISSION AND FROM TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS TO AND FROM SUCH FACILITIES; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH TO PROVIDE TRAINING ON MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS MANAGEMENT FOR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES' PERSONNEL AND FOR TRANSPORTATION AGENTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-21-77, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT REQUIRES CHANCERY CLERKS TO KEEP CERTAIN RECORDS RELATING TO COURT-ORDERED ADMISSIONS TO TREATMENT FACILITIES AND DENIALS FOR ADMISSION TO COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER CRISIS STABILIZATION BEDS, AND TO PROVIDE THOSE RECORDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH EACH CALENDAR QUARTER; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 37-3-82 AND 37-7-321, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES THAT EMPLOY INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE AS SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS TO PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING THAT IS EVIDENCED-BASED AND APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-103-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR IN-STATE TUITION RATES FOR THE PURPOSE OF ATTENDING A STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING OR COMMUNITY OR JUNIOR COLLEGE SHALL BE A MINIMUM PERIOD OF TWELVE MONTHS; TO AMEND SECTION 37-103-25, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT ANY STUDENT WHO HAS RESIDED IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF TWELVE MONTHS, OR WHO HAS RECEIVED A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOL IN THE STATE UPON EVIDENCING THAT HE OR SHE COMPLETED THE FINAL SCHOLASTIC YEAR ENROLLED THEREIN IN THE YEAR IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING HIS OR HER ENROLLMENT IN A STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING OR COMMUNITY OR JUNIOR COLLEGE SHALL BE CONSIDERED A RESIDENT FOR PURPOSES OF IN-STATE TUITION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
AN ACT TO REPEAL SECTIONS 41-20-1, 41-20-3, 41-20-5, 41-20-7, 41-20-9 AND 41-20-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH CREATE WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION A POSITION KNOWN AS THE COORDINATOR OF MENTAL HEALTH ACCESSIBILITY, PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT, QUALIFICATIONS, EXPENSES AND SALARY FOR THE POSITION, ESTABLISH POWERS, DUTIES AND DISCRETIONARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION, REQUIRE INTER-AGENCY COOPERATION WITH THE COORDINATOR IN PERFORMING HIS OR HER DUTIES, AND SET FORTH DEFINITIONS AND RELATED PROVISIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-21-74, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE ASSISTED OUTPATIENT TREATMENT (AOT) AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO INPATIENT COMMITMENT FOR PERSONS WHO MEET CERTAIN CRITERIA; TO SPECIFY WHO MAY INITIATE AN AOT ORDER; TO REQUIRE THE COURT TO MAKE CERTAIN FINDINGS BEFORE ENTERING AN AOT ORDER; TO REQUIRE THE SUBMISSION AND UPDATING OF A TREATMENT PLAN AFTER ENTRY OF AN AOT ORDER; TO PROVIDE THAT THE RESPONDENT SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO AN ATTORNEY AT ALL STAGES OF ANY PROCEEDING INVOLVING AOT; TO SPECIFY THE INITIAL LENGTH OF AN AOT ORDER AND AUTHORIZE RENEWALS OF THE ORDER; TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN PERSONS TO FILE AN AFFIDAVIT OF NONCOMPLIANCE WITH A TREATMENT PLAN; TO REQUIRE SCREENING BEFORE SUCH AN AFFIDAVIT IS FILED; TO PROVIDE THAT THE COUNTY OF RESIDENCE SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COMMUNITY COORDINATION, TRANSPORTATION, AND FOLLOW-UP SERVICES; TO REQUIRE LOCAL SCREENING BEFORE RETURNING THE RESPONDENT TO A STATE HOSPITAL FOR NONCOMPLIANCE; TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHANCERY COURT OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE PUBLIC FACILITY IS LOCATED OR THE COMMITTING COURT SHALL HAVE JURISDICTION OVER MATTERS RELATING TO AOT ORDERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; TO PRESCRIBE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH LICENSE TAGS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE ADDITIONAL FEE COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH LICENSE TAGS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
AN ACT TO REQUIRE ANY GROUP HEALTH PLAN, OR A HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUER OFFERING GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE TO INCLUDE COVERAGE FOR CLINICAL GENETIC TESTING FOR AN INHERITED GENE MUTATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH A PERSONAL OR FAMILY HISTORY OF CANCER THAT IS RECOMMENDED BY A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL AND EVIDENCED-BASED CANCER IMAGING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AN INCREASED RISK OF CANCER AS RECOMMENDED BY NCCN CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES; TO PROHIBIT GROUP HEALTH PLANS AND HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUERS THAT PROVIDE SUCH SERVICES FROM IMPOSING ANY COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS FOR THOSE SERVICES; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 25-15-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE FORMULATION OF THE STATE EMPLOYEES LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
AN ACT TO CREATE THE RURAL PHYSICIANS RETENTION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM AND THE RURAL DENTISTS RETENTION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM; TO PRESCRIBE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR LOAN REPAYMENT UNDER THE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING EMPLOYMENT AT CERTAIN RURAL HOSPITALS AND CLINICS AND IN CERTAIN COMMUNITIES; TO AUTHORIZE UP TO TEN ANNUAL AWARDS UNDER EACH PROGRAM UPON COMPLETION OF EACH YEAR AT A QUALIFYING HOSPITAL, CLINIC OR OTHER HEALTH CARE FACILITY OR IN A QUALIFYING COMMUNITY; TO REQUIRE THE POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BOARD TO ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM; TO ESTABLISH THE RURAL PHYSICIANS RETENTION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM FUND AND THE RURAL DENTISTS RETENTION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM FUND IN THE STATE TREASURY; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 37-144-1 THROUGH 37-144-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI RURAL PHYSICIANS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-144-23, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REPEAL THE MISSISSIPPI RURAL PHYSICIANS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AT SUCH TIME AS THE LAST CLASS OF RECIPIENTS HAS COMPLETED THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PROGRAM; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 37-146-1 THROUGH 37-146-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI RURAL DENTISTS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-146-23, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REPEAL THE MISSISSIPPI RURAL DENTISTS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AT SUCH TIME AS THE LAST CLASS OF RECIPIENTS HAS COMPLETED THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PROGRAM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-137-61, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF THE FEES AND TAX REVENUES COLLECTED UNDER THE MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CANNABIS ACT SHALL BE DEPOSITED INTO THE MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST FUND FOR FOUR YEARS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.