§43A-2-222.

§43A-2-222.
   
   A. 1. The Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
   shall establish regional advisory boards for the purpose of planning,
   advocating for, and coordinating services to persons with mental
   illness or alcohol or drug abuse disorders, and to victims of domestic
   violence or sexual assault. There shall be no fewer than eight boards.
   The boards shall advise the Commissioner relating to long-range plans
   and other issues related to the development of and delivery of local
   services. It is the responsibility of each board to:
   
   a. be knowledgeable of the services rendered by agencies within its
   area,
   
   b. be sensitive to the service needs of persons within the area, and
   
   c. serve as advocates for needed services.
   
   2. The membership of each board shall be composed of citizens who
   reside or are employed within the defined geographic area and who are
   not currently employed by a provider agency under contract with the
   Department. The membership of each board shall include clients and
   family members of clients, and reflect an equitable representation of
   service interests.
   
   B. The Commissioner shall establish policies related to membership,
   terms, and other details necessary to ensure functioning of the boards
   established by this section.
   
   C. Members shall be eligible for reimbursement for their travel
   expenses in accordance with the provisions of the State Travel
   Reimbursement Act.