[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 42, Volume 1]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 42CFR51.24]

[Page 161]
 
                         TITLE 42--PUBLIC HEALTH
 
    CHAPTER I--PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN 
                                SERVICES
 
PART 51--REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO THE PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS PROGRAM--Table of Contents
 
            Subpart B--Program Administration and Priorities
 
Sec. 51.24  Program priorities.

    (a) Program priorities and policies shall be established annually by 
the governing authority, jointly with the advisory council. Priorities 
shall specify short-term program goals and objectives, with measurable 
outcomes, to implement the established priorities. In developing 
priorities, consideration shall be given to, at a minimum, case 
selection criteria, the availability of staff and monetary resources, 
and special problems and cultural barriers faced by individuals with 
mental illness who are multiply handicapped or who are members of racial 
or ethnic minorities in obtaining protection of their rights. Systemic 
and legislative activities shall also be addressed in the development 
and implementation of program priorities.
    (b) Members of the public shall be given an opportunity, on an 
annual basis, to comment on the priorities established by, and the 
activities of, the P&A system. Procedures for public comment must 
provide for notice in a format accessible to individuals with mental 
illness, including such individuals who are in residential facilities, 
to family members and representatives of such individuals and to other 
individuals with disabilities. Procedures for public comment must 
provide for receipt of comments in writing or in person.