SECTIONS 4040-4045 - California Statutes

WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS CODE

SECTION 4040-4045

4040. The State Department of Mental Health may conduct, or
contract for, research or evaluation studies which have application
to policy and management issues. In selecting areas for study the
department shall be guided by the information needs of state and
local policymakers and managers, and suggestions from the California
Conference of Local Mental Health Directors.

4041. The department shall serve as a clearinghouse for information
on research and evaluation studies relevant to mental health. The
department shall review and disseminate the results of local, state,
and national research and evaluation studies that have important
implications for mental health policy or management.

4042. The department shall cooperate and coordinate with other
state and local agencies engaged in research and evaluation studies.
Effort shall be made to coordinate with research, evaluation, and
demonstration efforts of local mental health programs, state
hospitals serving the mentally disordered, the Department of
Rehabilitation, the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs,
the State Department of Developmental Services, the State Department
of Health Services, universities, and other special projects
conducted or contracted for by the State Department of Mental Health.

4043. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the department
provide leadership in the establishment and funding of mental health
research projects. The projects shall lead to better understanding of
the etiology of serious mental illness and the development of
treatment alternatives necessary to meet the needs of the citizens of
this state.
(b) The director shall appoint a Mental Health Research Advisory
Committee. The committee shall consult with program administrators,
providers, consumers, families, and research scientists. The
committee shall advise and assist the director in establishing
research priorities and in other research related activities as
appropriate.

4044. Research performed pursuant to this chapter shall have as a
priority serious mental disorders. Research shall be conducted in, or
in collaboration with, state or local mental health program
facilities that serve public needs. In order to preserve continuity,
research programs may be funded for up to five years depending upon
the nature of the project and availability of funds.

4045. In order to improve the quality of mental health care in this
state, a portion of the funding for research pursuant to this
chapter shall be used to provide technical advice, consultation, and
education on diagnosis and treatment within the public mental health
system upon request of a county.