Mental health in the workplace: voluntary standards.

Existing law, the Mental Health Services Act, an initiative measure enacted by the voters as Proposition 63 at the November 2, 2004, statewide general election, establishes the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, and authorizes the commission to take specified actions, including developing strategies to overcome stigma and discrimination and accomplish the objectives of the Mental Health Services Act. This bill would authorize the commission to establish a framework and voluntary standard for mental health in the workplace that serves to reduce mental health stigma, increase public, employee, and employer awareness of the recovery goals of the Mental Health Services Act, and provide guidance to California's employer community to put in place strategies and programs, determined by the commission, to support the mental health and wellness of employees. The bill would require the commission to consult with the Labor and Workforce Development Agency or its designee to develop the standard.