NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A836
SPONSOR: Gunther (MS) TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the correction law, in relation to
training for staff in residential mental health treatment units programs
inside correctional facilities
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: To reduce the number of prison
suicides in prison by providing additional training to corrections offi-
cers and staff.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a minimum of eight hours of mental health training annu-
ally for all correction officers, program services, mental health and
medical staff with direct inmate contact, including suicide prevention
training.
Sections 2 is the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION: In 2010 there were 20 suicides in state correctional
facilities alone, double the number in 2009 and the highest rate of
suicides since 1982.
It is important to ensure that those who work in the correctional system
are trained to recognize symptoms and indicators that may result in
suicide, or other forms of self-harm or harm to others, and refer such
inmates to appropriate treatment.
This bill ensures that all officers and program services, mental health
and medical staff with direct inmate Contact receive mental health
training each year. The New York state commission on quality care and
advocacy for persons with disabilities may provide such training.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 2013-14: A7659 Passed Assembly/S5740
Committed to Finance
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: All employees receive training including training
to prevent suicide and although an adjustment of the training may be
required to comply with the legislation, it is believed that this could
be done within the Department's existing budget
EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect immediately.
