The Florida Senate

394.9084  Pilot project; client-directed and choice-based adult mental health services.--

(1)  The Department of Children and Family Services shall develop a client-directed and choice-based pilot project in district 4 to provide mental health treatment and support services to adults who have a serious mental illness. The project shall test a payment model in which each client controls the money that is available for that client's mental health treatment and support services. The project shall be evaluated by an independent entity whose evaluation must include an assessment of:

(a)  The criteria for selecting adult mental health clients with serious mental illness eligible for participation in the project.

(b)  The duties and responsibilities of the care coordinator.

(c)  The accessibility and quality of services provided under the project by available community-based providers selected by the client, compared to those services that are available without the project.

(d)  The input by the clients in the development of treatment plans compared to other clients not participating in the project.

(e)  The achievement of individual treatment goals or outcome measures established for each client participating in the project compared to other mental health clients.

(f)  Any demonstrated improvements or cost savings in the delivery of community-based mental health treatment and support services, including an explanation of the analyses used in determining cost savings.

(g)  All monitoring and oversight conducted by the Department of Children and Family Services or the Agency for Health Care Administration.

(h)  Any existing or appointed local advisory group assisting in the design and implementation of the project.

(2)  The Department of Children and Family Services shall submit a report concerning the progress of the project to the appropriate legislative committees by December 1, 2002, and December 1, 2003.

(3)  This section expires July 1, 2004.

History.--s. 1, ch. 2001-152.