United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao legislative 2010-08-12 U.S. Government Printing Office 2000-10-30 monographic deposited born digital 28 p. GA 1.13:GAO-01-157 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-01-157 P0b002ee18038a468 f:d01157 DGPO 2010-08-12 2011-03-28 GAOREPORTS-GAO-01-157 machine generated eng fdlp REPORT GAOREPORTS-GAO-01-157 GAO-01-157 Mental illnesses Mental health care services Mental care facilities Community health services Interagency relations Internal controls District of Columbia Medicaid Program Letter Report

The failure by the District of Columbia's Commission on Mental Health Services to provide community-based mental health services, as required by a 1974 court ruling, prompted a judge to appoint a receiver to carry out the court's order. Control of mental health services is scheduled to be returned to the Commission in April 2001. Although the transitional receiver is developing a plan to enhance the Commission's ability to comply with the court ruling, many challenges must be overcome. For example, the District must change its hospital-based system of care to one that considers the needs of the individual within a framework of a community-based provider responsible for all aspects of mental health and supportive services needs. Many interested mental health providers and patient care advocacy groups believe that a solid foundation is being laid for community-based mental health services. However, success will depend on the Commission's ability to improve management processes and coordinate with other agencies that provide care to the mentally ill. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-01-157/html/GAOREPORTS-GAO-01-157.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-01-157/pdf/GAOREPORTS-GAO-01-157.pdf GAO-01-157 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-01-157 Letter Report GAO-01-157; District of Columbia: Receiver's Plan to Return Control of; Mental illnesses Mental health care services Mental care facilities Community health services Interagency relations Internal controls District of Columbia Medicaid Program Title 24 Section 225b Title 24 Section 225 Title 24 Section 225g 24 U.S.C. 225b 24 U.S.C. 225 24 U.S.C. 225g