Whereas, this legislation requires that a commission be established to study the provision of services to elderly persons with mental illness; and

Whereas, in order for the commission to be convened by August 15, 1999 and submit its report by January 1, 2000, as required by this legislation, it is necessary for the commission to be established immediately; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Commission established. Resolved: That the Commission to Study the Provision of Mental Health Services to the Elderly, referred to in this resolve as the "commission," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of 12 members appointed as follows:

1. Two Legislators who are members of the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and who jointly chair the commission, one of whom must be a Senator appointed by the President of the Senate, and one of whom must be a member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House;

2. The Commissioner of Human Services, or a designee, and another representative of the Department of Human Services, designated by the commissioner;

3. The Commissioner of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, or a designee, and a representative from the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, designated by the Commissioner of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services;

4. Two members representing the community of consumers of mental health services, appointed by the Governor;

5. Two members representing family members of elderly persons with mental illness, appointed by the Governor; and