(1) The Washington traumatic brain injury strategic partnership advisory council is established as an advisory council to the governor, the legislature, and the secretary of the department of social and health services.

     (2) The council shall be composed of the following members who shall be appointed by the governor:

     (a) The secretary or the secretary's designee, and representatives from the following: Children's administration, mental health division, aging and disability services administration, and vocational rehabilitation;

     (b) The executive director of a state brain injury association;

     (c) A representative from a nonprofit organization serving individuals with traumatic brain injury;

     (d) The secretary of the department of health or the secretary's designee;

     (e) The secretary of the department of corrections or the secretary's designee;

     (f) A representative of the department of community, trade, and economic development;

     (g) A representative from an organization serving veterans;

     (h) A representative from the national guard;

     (i) A representative of a Native American tribe located in Washington;

     (j) The executive director of the Washington protection and advocacy system;

     (k) A neurologist who has experience working with individuals with traumatic brain injuries;

     (l) A neuropsychologist who has experience working with persons with traumatic brain injuries;

     (m) A social worker or clinical psychologist who has experience in working with persons who have sustained traumatic brain injuries;

     (n) A rehabilitation specialist, such as a speech pathologist, vocational rehabilitation counselor, occupational therapist, or physical therapist who has experience working with persons with traumatic brain injuries;

     (o) Two persons who are individuals with a traumatic brain injury;

     (p) Two persons who are family members of individuals with traumatic brain injuries; and

     (q) Two members of the public who have experience with issues related to the causes of traumatic brain injuries.

     (3) Councilmembers shall not be compensated for serving on the council, but may be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses related to costs incurred in participating in meetings for the council.

     (4) Initial appointments to the council shall be made by July 30, 2007. The terms of appointed council members shall be three years, except that the terms of the appointed members who are initially appointed shall be staggered by the governor to end as follows:

     (a) Four members on June 30, 2008;

     (b) Three members on June 30, 2009; and

     (c) Three members on June 30, 2010.

     (5) No member may serve more than two consecutive terms.

     (6) The appointed members of the council shall, to the extent possible, represent rural and urban areas of the state.

     (7) A chairperson shall be elected every two years by majority vote from among the councilmembers. The chairperson shall act as the presiding officer of the council.

     (8) The duties of the council include:

     (a) Collaborating with the department to develop a comprehensive statewide plan to address the needs of individuals with traumatic brain injuries;

     (b) By November 1, 2007, providing recommendations to the department on criteria to be used to select programs facilitating support groups for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their families under RCW 74.31.050;

     (c) By December 1, 2007, submitting a report to the legislature and the governor on the following:

     (i) The development of a comprehensive statewide information and referral network for individuals with traumatic brain injuries;

     (ii) The development of a statewide registry to collect data regarding individuals with traumatic brain injuries, including the potential to utilize the department of information services to develop the registry;

     (iii) The efforts of the department to provide services for individuals with traumatic brain injuries;

     (d) By December 30, 2007, reviewing the preliminary comprehensive statewide plan developed by the department to meet the needs of individuals with traumatic brain injuries as required in RCW 74.31.030 and submitting a report to the legislature and the governor containing comments and recommendations regarding the plan.

     (9) The council may utilize the advice or services of a nationally recognized expert, or other individuals as the council deems appropriate, to assist the council in carrying out its duties under this section.

[2007 c 356 § 3.]

NOTES:

     Short title -- 2007 c 356: See note following RCW 74.31.005.