A N A C T
RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 40.1-1 of the General Laws entitled "Department of Mental Health" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
40.1-1-20. Problem gambling programs. -- (a) The department of mental health, retardation and hospitals shall establish and promulgate minimum standards for treatment programs for problem gamblers and for gaming prevention programs, and shall make these standards available to the public and to any organization that intends to provide such treatment or education programs.
(b) The standards for treatment programs shall include but are not limited to the following:
(1) assessment criteria and procedures;
(2) admission and discharge criteria;
(3) client record keeping;
(4) staff training requirements;
(5) requirements for performance and outcome measures.
(c) The department shall monitor and review treatment programs for problem gamblers and gaming prevention programs and shall certify programs that comply with the standards developed by the department.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.