NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

The LFC is only preparing FIRs on bills referred to the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. The chief clerks are responsible for preparing and issuing all other bill analyses.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Room 416 of the State Capitol Building.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Health

Office of Indian Affairs

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 206 appropriates $75,000 from the general fund to the New Mexico Office of Indian Affairs for the purpose of contracting for the development of a business plan for a project to provide community-based mental health and substance abuse services to Native Americans.

Significant Issues

Mental health and substance abuse services to Native Americans require programs that allow for culturally competent care from providers who speak the local Native American language, know the customs of the communities, and can provide culturally appropriate intervention for such services. A large population of Native Americans live on reservations, trust lands and in pueblos where mental health and substance abuse services are needed. The ideal situation would be to have services located closer to the clients' home communities. This would allow for the best delivery of care and close proximity to involve family units in the treatment and follow-up care, particularly community-based psychiatric services, which are considered to be the most beneficial and cost-effective for the mentally ill.

The Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD) of the Department of Health (DOH) is charged with the responsibility of providing behavioral health services throughout the state. BHSD works closely with the New Mexico Indian Behavioral Health Council which advises the BHSD regarding the behavioral health needs and service delivery system for Native Americans. According to the Department of Health, an appropriation of funds to the Office of Indian Affairs for such services would be duplicating funds already requested by the DOH in the executive budget request.

In 1991 House Memorial 5 requested that the DOH conduct an assessment of mental health needs and services" of Native Americans residing on reservations, pueblos, trust lands and other areas of the state. According to the DOH, the study is old but still valid and could provide the basis for a business plan.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The DOH has established managed care contracts with regional behavioral health providers. Through the ongoing efforts of the DOH, behavioral health providers and the NMIBHC services are being expanded to include culturally competent care. According to the DOH, separate administration and appropriations to the Office of Indian Affairs could duplicate or conflict with such services in New Mexico. It would further confuse the administration of existing behavioral health services provided by separate federal, state, tribal and private entities.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

• •What mechanisms could be established to provide greater collaboration and communication between the DOH and OIA, and to assure improved results in mental health and substance abuse services for Native Americans?

LMK/prr