STATE OF NEW YORK
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7489--A
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
May 7, 2019
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Introduced by M. of A. GUNTHER -- read once and referred to the Commit-
tee on Mental Health -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered
reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to create a temporary commission relating to the office of mental
health housing programs
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. 1. A temporary state commission, to be known as the "office
2 of mental health housing program evaluation commission" (hereinafter
3 referred to as the "commission") is hereby created to make determi-
4 nations and recommendations on the following:
5 a. The number of and total quarterly occupancy levels for scattered
6 site supportive housing, licensed community residences, licensed treat-
7 ment apartments, and all other supportive housing (hereinafter referred
8 to as "the programs"), under the auspice of the office of mental health
9 by county over the last five years as well as each program's funding
10 levels on an annual basis, over the last five years. Such information
11 shall be utilized to: (i) determine the impact of changes in funding
12 levels, if any, (ii) determine if there are varying funding levels with-
13 in the same programs in the same counties, the rationale therefor, and
14 the impact of such variances, and (iii) determine, with the information
15 from paragraph b of this subdivision, the adequacy of funding levels by
16 program.
17 b. For each program by county, a sampling of clients' acuity and their
18 needs and the programs' current staffing models. Such information shall
19 be used to analyze the impact on the quality of care the programs are
20 mandated and able to deliver and whether there is a need for additional,
21 different and/or credentialed/licensed staff in the programs.
22 c. For each program and by county, the programs' and/or the mental
23 health system's ability to meet the needs, as determined in paragraph b
24 of this subdivision, of the clients.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11334-02-9
A. 7489--A 2
1 2. The commission shall consist of nine members as follows: two
2 members shall be appointed by the speaker of the assembly; two members
3 shall be appointed by the temporary president of the senate; one member
4 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; one member
5 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the assembly; and three
6 members shall be appointed by the governor, one of whom shall be desig-
7 nated as the chair of the commission. Members so appointed shall
8 include adequate representation of resident advocates, family members of
9 residents, program provider organizations, licensed mental health
10 professionals and related health care professionals.
11 3. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for
12 their services, but shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses
13 incurred in the performance of their duties hereunder.
14 4. The commission shall make a report of its findings, including any
15 recommendations for legislative action as it may deem necessary and
16 appropriate, to the governor and the legislature no later than October
17 1, 2020.
18 § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
