§ 25-10-120 - Research and Training Institute. - Arkansas Statutes

25-10-120. Research and Training Institute.

(a) The Research and Training Institute is authorized to seek, accept, and administer public or private funds, consisting of donations, federal and state grants, aids, contracts, reimbursements, cash donations, or state general revenue to accomplish its purposes. The institute is intended to:

(1) Promote recruitment and retention of highly qualified professionals at programs operated or certified by the Division of Mental Health Services of the Department of Human Services, community mental health center programs, and other public sector mental health programs in Arkansas;

(2) Improve clinical care by exploring new, innovative, and scientifically based treatment models for adults with serious mental illness and children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance;

(3) Provide expanded clinical research and clinical-based research training opportunities for existing staff in institutional and community-based programs operated, certified, or supported by the division; and

(4) Promote the understanding of the various interdisciplinary treatments and the challenges facing institutional and community-based mental health professionals in Arkansas.

(b) To accomplish these purposes, the institute may enter into joint operating agreements with state universities or other institutions of higher education to:

(1) Accomplish the placement and training of students and faculty in psychiatry, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, nursing, and other relevant professions;

(2) Design, support, and implement clinical research projects to improve the quality and effectiveness of mental health services and operations;

(3) Enter into agreements with community mental health centers and other public mental health providers to accomplish the exchange of professional staff between state-operated programs and community mental health centers; and

(4) Establish a student loan program in accordance with procedures established by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, when the Director of the Division of Mental Health Services has determined a shortage of such professionals exists.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary, the institute may enter into agreements with the division which may involve changes in staffing necessary to implement improved patient care programs contemplated by this section, and may enter into agreements with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, to jointly operate or to support specific undertakings that are congruent with the institute's stated purposes.