MENTAL HLTH OVERSIGHT OFFICER

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Creates the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Oversight Officer (Officer) within the Department of Human Services under the Secretary of Human Services. Provides that the Officer shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Permits the Officer to: (i) maintain a staff; (ii) make recommendations for policy, statute, and rule changes; (iii) collect data on the opioid crisis; (iv) ensure the coordination of efforts between various State agencies involved in treating mental health and substance use disorders within the State; and (v) encourage, promote, suggest, and report best practices for treating mental health and substance use disorders in Illinois. Prohibits the Officer from participating in the issuance of any licensing or certification of mental health or substance use disorder treatment services. Prohibits the Officer from participating in any adjudicative decision-making process involving licensing, certification, or licensee discipline. Permits the Officer to compile, collect, or otherwise gather data necessary for the administration of the amendatory Act and to carry out the Officer's duties relating to the recommendation of policy changes. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Oversight Officer Fund. Provides that moneys in the fund shall be expended for the Officer, its staff, and its activities and for no other purpose. Effective immediately.