Official Text and Analysis.

Eliminates regional behavioral health ombuds services and establishes the State Office of Behavioral Health Consumer Advocacy (SOBHCA) to coordinate the activities of behavioral health advocates across the state.

Creates the Office of Behavioral Health Consumer Advocacy (SOBHCA) in the Department of Commerce and shifts responsibilities for several policy-related activities from the contracted entity to the SOBHCA. This includes requirements for certifying behavioral health consumer advocates, establishing procedures for appropriate access to behavioral health providers or facilities, and establishing procedures related to confidentiality..

Directs the Department of Commerce to solicit recommendations from members of the behavioral health community for options to rename the Office of Behavioral Health Consumer Advocacy (Office) and certified behavioral health consumer advocates in a way that shows respect for the community. Directs the Department of Commerce to rename the Office and the certified behavioral health consumer advocates from the proposed options prior to the Office beginning operations.

• Requires Commerce to encourage persons with lived experience of behavioral health disorders or their family members to apply to become the Advocate. • Requires the Advocate to provide any training needed for a regional behavioral health ombuds to be certified as a behavioral health consumer advocate. • Requires the Office to work with the Department of Social and Health Services to develop training, protocols, procedures, and guidelines around providing behavioral health consumer advocacy services in state hospitals.