Bill A 5554 changes where certain application fees are deposited within the state budget. It requires that fees paid for operating certificates, which are necessary for mental hygiene service providers, be directed into the mental illness anti-stigma fund. Previously, these fees were deposited into the state's general fund. This bill ensures that funds collected from these applications specifically support efforts to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Establishes a youth mental telehealth services program to facilitate access to mental health services, including substance use disorder services, for youth to respond to identified mental health needs.
Directs the commissioner of labor to create and distribute to employers a poster, pamphlet, or other written materials regarding mental health and wellness of employees to be posted in the workplace; directs voluntary guidelines for employers to put in place strategies and programs to support the mental health and wellness of their employees.
Authorizes holders of certain operating certificates for treatment of persons with developmental disabilities to provide behavioral analysis services, so long as the professional providing such services is operating within their scope of practice; authorizes holders of such operating certificates to employ or contract with applied behavior analysts and mental health counselors.
Enacts the "empire state of mind act" relating to the treatment of mentally ill persons in the realm of treatment in mental health and addiction services facilities, the penal system and social services.
Directs the office of mental health to establish programs for the training and development of persons capable of providing coaching and support to individuals under treatment plans developed by licensed mental health practitioners, including but not limited to a process of issuing, either directly or through contract, credentials for qualified mental health associates.
Establishes a co-occurring disorders patient bill of rights to be implemented by various agencies; requires a five-year plan for implementing such bill of rights.
Enacts the "Lieutenant Joseph Banish mental health act" which establishes a law enforcement peer support program to provide confidentiality for communications arising out of law enforcement peer support counseling; defines terms; provides exceptions for when a peer support communication may be disclosed.
This bill allows New York residents to request a special 9-8-8 license plate supporting the suicide prevention hotline. The plate would be issued upon payment of a $25 annual fee (in addition to standard registration), with $5,000 allocated to offset production costs after one year. It directly affects vehicle owners who choose to display this plate to raise awareness for mental health crisis support. The bill creates no new requirements but provides a voluntary option for residents to contribute to the 9-8-8 system through their vehicle registration.
S 6960 creates a new state commission to coordinate public safety, emergency response, and mental health efforts. The commission, composed of agency heads (including police, emergency services, education, health, and mental health officials), must meet quarterly to work with three divisions focused on school safety, emergency preparedness, and mental health services. Key provisions require the commission to provide schools with safety resources and mental health support, improve community disaster response, reduce mental health stigma, and hold public hearings twice yearly. The commission must report annually to the governor and legislature. This bill establishes new coordination structures for state agencies but does not directly change laws affecting residents.
