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The Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council is mandated under the PAIMI Act of 1986 and advises our agency on policies and priorities to be carried out in protecting and advocating for the rights of people with mental illness.
About the PAIMI Advisory Council
Members of the PAIMI Advisory Council reflect the constituency served by DRTx. We are mandated by the Federal PAIMI Act, the purpose of which is to assist states to establish and operate a protection and advocacy system for individuals with mental illness and protect and advocate for the rights of such individuals through activities to ensure the enforcement of the Constitution, Federal and State statutes. Pursuant to federal statute, the Council “…will advise the system on policies and priorities to be carried out in protecting and advocating for the rights of mentally ill individuals…”
Persons with mental illness, family members and professionals are all represented on the Council. DRTx and the PAIMI Advisory Council are also committed to appointing members representative of Texas communities and makes efforts to ensure the Council reflects different geographic areas of the state. In order to be eligible for membership on the Advisory Council, an individual must reside in the State of Texas, cannot be a relative or significant other of a current Advisory Council member, and cannot be an employee of DRTx.
Subject to these limitations, the Advisory Council shall consist of:
- At least one (1) attorney
- Mental health professionals
- Individuals from the public who are knowledgeable about people who are labeled mentally ill, the advocacy needs of persons with mental illness, and have demonstrated a substantial commitment to improving mental health services
- Providers of mental health services
- Individuals who have received or are receiving mental health services
- Individuals who are family members of individuals who have received or are receiving mental health services.
- At least one member shall be a primary caregiver for an individual who is current a minor child
Please read Frequently Asked Questions about the PAIMI Council to learn more about the requirements of the position and to apply.
2026 PAIMI Council Meetings
- March 28, 2026 (virtual)
- June 27, 2026 (virtual)
- September 19, 2026 (virtual)
Public Comment at PAIMI Meetings
The public is invited to provide comments related to rights of people with mental health concerns during a specific time frame at each quarterly council meeting. If you would like to provide public comment at one of the upcoming meetings, please complete our PAIMI Meeting Public Comment Sign Up Form at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. You can also use the form to provide public comment in writing.
Learn more about the PAIMI program in Texas.