National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors

Forensic Division

The State Mental Health Forensic Directors hereby organize in support of the interests and purposes of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors in the development and operation of forensic programs and facilities.

Administration of mental health forensic systems requires understanding and integration of at least four distinguishable fields:

Behavioral Science;
Corrections;
Legislation and Law, and
Administration

Forensic service systems are the result of planning, development, and operation in diverse endeavors including:

Mental Health evaluation and treatment services to courts and custody facilities;
Operation of secure hospitals;
Provision of technical consultation to staff in developing methods of effective recognition and management of areas such as civil commitment, patient's rights and guardianship;
Development of training of mental health, legal, correctional and administrative professionals; and
Consultation in the development of sound legislation and administrative rules.

It is the purpose, therefore, of the State Mental Health Forensic Directors, Division of National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, to gather those individuals directly responsible for the administration of state forensic systems in order to:

Provide a mechanism for collection, study, discussion, resolution and dissemination of problems, ideas, models, information, and approaches to the planning, development, and operation of state forensic systems, programs and facilities;
Promote and participate in training and in development of appropriate standards; and
Improve the quality, effectiveness, and pursuit of excellence in forensic administration.

Executive Committee (as of January, 2021)

Title	Term	Name	State
Officers
Chairperson	1/1/21 – 12/31/22	Michael Champion, MD	HI
Vice Chairperson	1/1/21 – 12/31/22	Tobias Wasser, MD	CT
Secretary	1/1/19 – 12/31/21	Peter Barboriak, MD, PhD	NC
Member-at-Large	1/1/19 – 12/31/21	Aaron Bowen, PsyD	AZ
Past-Chairperson	1/1/21 – 12/31/22	Li-Wen Grace, Lee, MD	NY
Regional Coordinators
West	1/1/21 – 12/31/22	Alison Bort, JD, PhD	OR
Midwest	1/1/21 – 12/31/22	Jeanette Simmons	MO
Northeast	1/1/21 – 12/31/22	Sarah Miller, PhD, ABPP	ME
South	1/1/21 – 12/31/22	Karen Bailey, PhD	GA

Chairperson:

Michael Champion, MD (HI)

NASMHPD Commissioner Liaison:

Vacant

NASMHPD Division Administrator:

Kelle Masten

Senior Program Associate

NASMHPD

66 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 302

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-739-9333, x168

Fax: 703-548-9517

Kelle.Masten@nasmhpd.org

AND

Brian Sims, M.D.

Senior Medical Advisor (PT)