Establishes the mental health educational opportunity program and the mental health higher educational opportunity program to provide additional educational opportunities for students at certain universities and colleges in the state to enroll in academic programs that lead to a degree or degrees required for licensure in any of the mental health professions.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A3607
SPONSOR: Kelles TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing the
mental health educational opportunity program and the mental health
higher educational opportunity program
PURPOSE:
To provide additional educational opportunities for students to enroll
in academic programs that lead to a degree or degrees required for
licensure in any of the mental health professions.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new section 6457 to the education law and requires
participating colleges and universities to provide special programs for
the screening, testing, counseling, and tutoring of (1) graduates of an
approved high school or individuals who have attained a New York state
high school equivalency diploma or its equivalent, as determined by the
commissioner, (2) who have potential for the successful completion of a
post-secondary program that lead to a degree or degrees required for
licensure in any mental health profession, and (3) are economically and
educationally disadvantaged. Requires each participating college or
university to formulate a general plan for the organization, develop-
ment, coordination and operation of the program. Requires the plan to be
transmitted to and reviewed by the regents. Outlines how state appropri-
ations can be spent for the program. Requires the college or university
to submit an annual report to the Director of the Budget and the Chairs
of both the Senate Finance and Assembly Ways and Means committees.
Section 2 is the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Our state and our country are facing a mental health crisis. Action is
needed to encourage more students to go into the mental health field in
order to meet the growing demands for mental health and behavioral
health professionals. There is also a huge disparity between the current
demographic make-up of behavioral health professionals and the general
population. There is a particular shortage of multi-lingual profes-
sionals which continues to drive disparities in access to treatment for
those who are not proficient in the English language.
Both the EOP and the HEOP program have proven successful, and we need to
build on its success to meet the needs of our state. Public and Inde-
pendent colleges and universities can play an integral role in fostering
the next generation of mental health professionals by supporting them as
they navigate graduate school, getting credentialed, and opening up
opportunities through internships.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A7591B - referred to Higher Education
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
