Sec. 01.01.2009.13. Governor's Commission on Suicide Prevention

A. There is a Maryland Commission on Suicide Prevention.

B. (1) Membership. The Commission consists of the following voting members:

(a) One member of the Maryland Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate;

(b) One member of the Maryland House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates;

(c) The Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene, or the Secretary's designee;

(d) The Deputy Secretary of Behavioral Health, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, or the Deputy Secretary's designee;

(e) The Deputy Secretary of Public Health Services, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, or the Deputy Secretary's designee;

(f) The Secretary of the State Department of Education, or the Secretary's designee;

(g) The Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Services, or the Secretary's designee;

(h) The Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, or the Secretary's designee;

(i) The Secretary of the Department of Aging, or the Secretary's designee;

(j) The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, or the Secretary's designee;

(k) The Executive Director of the Governor's Office for Children, or the Executive Director's designee;

(l) The Secretary of the Department of Disabilities, or the Secretary's designee;

(m) One representative of the Mental Health Association of Maryland;

(n) One representative of the National Organization for People of Color Against Suicide;

(o) One representative of the Maryland Addictions Directors Council;

(p) One representative of the faith community;

(q) One representative of the academic community;

(r) One representative of a suicide prevention group;

(s) One veteran;

(t) One family member of an individual who completed suicide; and

(u) One local health officer.

(2) The members identified in Sections B(c) through (u) shall be appointed by the Governor, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

(3) Members appointed by the Governor may serve up to two consecutive, three-year terms.

(4) The Governor shall designate the Chair from among the members.

(5) In the event of a vacancy on the Commission, the Governor shall appoint a successor to fill the remainder of the term.

C. Procedures.

(1) Members of the Commission may not receive any compensation for their services but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations, and as provided in the State budget.

(2) The Commission will be staffed by the Mental Hygiene Administration of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

(3) The majority of voting members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business.

(4) The Commission may adopt such other procedures as may be necessary to ensure the orderly transaction of business, including the creation of committees or task forces.

(5) The Chair may, with the consent of the Commission, designate additional individuals, including interested citizens, elected officials, educators, or specialists with relevant expertise, to serve on any committee or task force.

(6) The Commission may consult with State agencies to obtain such technical assistance and advice as it deems necessary to complete its duties. All Executive Department agencies shall cooperate with and assist the Commission in carrying out its responsibilities.

(7) The Commission shall meet at least four times a year.

D. Purpose. The Commission shall have the following objectives:

(1) To develop a comprehensive, coordinated, and strategic plan for suicide prevention, intervention, and post-suicide services across the State for individuals and their families;

(2) To develop a comprehensive baseline listing of existing support systems for survivors, attempters, and their families;

(3) To promote a coordinated, collaborative, and comprehensive effort by local and State agencies to ensure effective and efficient use of State and local resources for the delivery of a continuum of suicide prevention, intervention, and post-suicide services for Maryland citizens;

(4) To recommend adequate resources to address suicide prevention, intervention, and post-suicide service needs of Maryland citizens, including citizens involved in the criminal justice system; and

(5) To identify and review the impact of suicide on the health and well-being of Maryland citizens; the economic and social costs of suicide; and effective and efficient practices in the organization and delivery of State and local suicide prevention, evaluation, and treatment services.

E. State Plan.

(1) The Commission shall prepare a 2-year plan that establishes priorities and strategies for the organization, delivery, and funding of State suicide prevention, intervention and post-suicide services.

(2) The Commission shall develop the plan taking into account, among other factors:

(a) The identified needs of the citizens of the State, including the general public and the criminal justice population; and

(b) The strategies and priorities identified in the plans established by local jurisdictions.

(3) The plan shall include recommendations for coordination and collaboration among State agencies in the organization, delivery, and funding of suicide prevention, intervention, and post-suicide services; promising practices and programs; training; and emerging needs for State suicide prevention, intervention, and post-suicide services.

(4) The plan shall be submitted to the Governor by June 1, 2011 and biannually thereafter. Any interim updates to the plan also shall be submitted to the Governor.

Effective date: October 7, 2009