A06667 Summary:

BILL NO    A06667 

SAME AS    Same as S 4900

SPONSOR    Weisenberg

COSPNSR    

MLTSPNSR   

Amd SS29.23 & 33.07, Ment Hyg L

Relates to the treatment of property of patients of mental hygiene facilities.

A06667 Actions:

BILL NO    A06667 

03/11/2009 referred to mental health
01/06/2010 referred to mental health

A06667 Votes:

A06667 Memo:

BILL NUMBER:A6667

TITLE  OF BILL:   An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to
powers with respect to the property of patients

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:    This  measure  seeks  to  allow  the
commissioner of OMRDD or OMH to authorize a facility director to receive
or  obtain funds/personal property on behalf of a person receiving resi-
dential services.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS: SEE BILL.

JUSTIFICATION: Section 29.23 of the mental hygiene law currently  limits
a  director  of a mental hygiene department facility to handle a consum-
er's funds up to a limit of $5,000 or less. That limit  was  established
in  1972 and has not increased with inflation. Items such as inheritanc-
es, Social Security retroactive payments or gifts are often valued above
this limit. In order for a director to receive  these  items  which  are
valued  over $5,000 on behalf of a consumer, is often time-consuming and
expensive.

This bill would bring the limit  up  to  a  far  more  reasonable  level
$13,050  per  person.  This authority would apply to both state and not-
for-profit directors. Additionally, it would make current law conform to
current practices elsewhere  and  would  facilitate  the  efficient  and
appropriate  management  of  assets  without  using unnecessary time and
cost.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: NEW BILL

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: NONE.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect immediately.