Frequently Asked Questions about the Disability Rights Center of Kansas’ PAIMI (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness) Advisory Council

Thank you for your interest in serving on the Disability Rights Center of Kansas’ (DRC) Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council. The following is a less formal summary of some of the key frequently asked questions about the PAIMI Advisory Council.

1. How many people serve on the PAIMI Advisory Council?

A minimum of nine (9) individuals serve on the Council.

2. Who chooses members of the Council?

The PAIMI Advisory Council nominates members to serve, and the Disability Rights Center (DRC) Board of Directors appoints the Council members.

3. How long are the terms of each appointment?

The terms of council members are staggered. Members are eligible to serve up to two (2) three-year terms. Persons who have served two (2) three-year terms may not be re-appointed to the Council for two (2) years.  The chair of the PAIMI Advisory Council serves on the DRC Board of Directors.

4. What does the PAIMI Advisory Council do?

In general, the PAIMI Advisory Council provides feedback and advice to DRC and the DRC Board of Directors regarding its priorities and policies.  The federal PAIMI Act states that the PAIMI Advisory Council “…will advise the system on policies and priorities to be carried out in protecting and advocating for the rights of mentally ill individuals…”(42 U.S.C. § 10805(a)(6)(A)).  The purpose of the PAIMI Act 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 as well as Federal and State law. Persons who are current or former recipients of mental health services, family members, and professionals are all represented on the Council. DRC and the PAIMI Advisory Council are also committed to appointing members who are representative of Kansas’ diverse ethnic and cultural communities and make efforts to ensure the Council reflects different geographic areas of the state.

5. How many Council meetings are held each year, and where are they?

There are four meetings held per year. Meetings are held in Topeka, Kansas.  A conference call line is also available.

6. Typically when are the meetings?  How long are the meetings?

As of the time of this printing, Council meetings are quarterly, typically held at 1:30 pm on either the third or fourth Friday in the months of February, May, August, and November.  Meetings typically last a couple of hours, depending on the agenda of the Council.  The Council Chair may choose a different date to meet, but Council members are provided plenty of notice to be able to participate.

7. What about expenses for PAIMI Advisory Council members?

All travel, room (if necessary), and Council-related expenses connected with the Council meetings are paid for by DRC, following the federal rules closely.  The agency also provides reasonable accommodations for Council members with disabilities. Members are not paid an honorarium for their services.  Council members volunteer their time and talents to help advance the cause of protection and advocacy services for Kansans with mental health needs.

8. How do I apply for a position on the PAIMI Advisory Council?

Please submit your resume either to a member of the PAIMI Advisory Council (if they are recruiting you) or send your resume via email to info@drckansas.org and ask that your email be forwarded to the DRC staff member in charge of the PAIMI Advisory Council. You can also mail your resume to DRC's address at:

214 SW 6th Avenue, Ste. 100

Topeka, KS 66603

9. Where can I get more information?

Please feel free to contact DRC at (877) 776-1541 or email info@drckansas.org. If you would like this information in a hard copy format, contact DRC and request that it be mailed to you.