Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez announced legislation that will be considered by the Miami-Dade County Commission on June 16 to establish enhanced oversight, transparency, and accountability measures for the new Miami-Dade County Mental Health Center.
While emphasizing his support for expanding mental health services, Chairman Rodriguez said the County must ensure that this significant public investment is operated responsibly, delivers measurable results, and remains financially sustainable for years to come.
“Supporting mental health care isn’t the question,” said Chairman Rodriguez. “We all agree our community needs more treatment options and better support for those facing mental health challenges. The question is whether we are putting the right safeguards in place to ensure this major public investment remains accountable, transparent, and financially sustainable.”
The legislation is designed to strengthen public confidence in the Mental Health Center by establishing clear performance measures, independent oversight, and ongoing evaluation of services and outcomes.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
The proposal would:
Establish formal oversight through the Behavioral Health Advisory Board and require annual independent reviews conducted by healthcare and research professionals.
Require regular public reporting on patient outcomes, continuity of care, financial sustainability, utilization rates, and overall program effectiveness.
Ensure major operational changes receive independent review and public discussion before implementation.
Mandate annual evaluations of services provided to individuals experiencing homelessness, including reviews of funding contributions from the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust.
Require an expedited competitive procurement process for any outsourced substance abuse treatment services located on the Mental Health Center campus, while preserving core County-operated services.
Protect taxpayers by ensuring Mental Health Center funding supplements rather than replaces existing County behavioral health services.
Measure success through outcomes, including increased access to treatment, reductions in repeat mental health crises, and decreased strain on emergency rooms and law enforcement resources.
Chairman Rodriguez emphasized that the legislation is intended to ensure the facility achieves its mission while maintaining strong fiscal stewardship.
“Success should be measured by results, not intentions,” Rodriguez said. “If we’re helping more people access treatment, reducing repeat crises, and easing the burden on emergency rooms and law enforcement, residents deserve to see that progress.”
The Mental Health Center is expected to play a critical role in expanding access to behavioral health services, improving public safety outcomes, and providing treatment for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.
“Mental health care and fiscal responsibility go hand in hand,” Rodriguez added. “We can expand access to treatment while ensuring accountability to taxpayers. By putting strong oversight, transparency, and accountability measures in place from the start, we can give this facility the best possible chance to succeed.”
The Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to consider the legislation during its June 16 meeting.
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