AUGUSTA -- The expert nominated to assess the effect of state budget cuts on services to some 12,000 mentally ill people is a familiar name.

Elizabeth Jones, of Silver Spring, Md., was nominated by Daniel Wathen in response to an order by Superior Court Justice Nancy Mills.

Mills presided over a civil lawsuit brought in 1989 involving how the state cares for mentally ill people. The lawsuit resulted in a consent agreement that Wathen is charged with administering.

Between Nov. 5, 2003, and Dec. 31, 2004, Jones -- in her role as a court-appointed "receiver" -- was responsible for ensuring that treatment was provided to current and former patients at the state's mental health hospital, now known as Riverview Psychiatric Center, in accordance with the consent agreement.

Last month, Mills ordered Wathen to nominate a monitor "to assess in a detailed manner the funding of the adult mental health system for 2007-08 and thereafter."

Jones' appointment is subject to Mills' approval.

Once hired, the monitor has six months to report what it would cost to provide the services to comply with the terms of the 1990 consent agreement, which sets the parameters for the state's care of mentally ill patients.

Helen Bailey, an attorney with the Disability Rights Center of Maine who represents the class members, said her group was "very satisfied" with Jones' previous work in Maine.

"We had nominated her as a potential candidate for the receiver and are familiar with her work," Bailey said.

She said a monitor will deal with finances. In the receiver's post, Jones did not handle budget.

"It's a different skill set," Bailey said. "In light of her prior positions, I think she would be skilled in the budget."

Betty Adams -- 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com