Establishes a loan forgiveness program for licensed mental health professionals in jails and prisons for the purpose of increasing the number of mental health professionals rendering mental health services in correctional institutions; provides for eligibility and priority; provides for awards in the amount of $2,000; makes related provisions.
Senate Resolution 1239 specifies which community mental health organizations will receive state funds for the 2024-25 fiscal year. It lists 20 specific nonprofits and local agencies, including NAMI chapters, Project Renewal, and the Lesbian & Gay Community Services Center, with exact grant amounts ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 for services like crisis intervention, behavioral care, and outpatient support. This procedural resolution amends prior funding plans to mandate an itemized list of grantees with allocated amounts, requiring Senate approval before funds are distributed.
Relates to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies covering care for other mental health services.
Authorizes the commissioner of the office of mental health, and the office of addiction services and support to jointly establish a single set of licensing standards and requirements for the construction, operation, reporting and surveillance of integrated behavioral health services.
S 4178 creates a workgroup to analyze reimbursement rates for behavioral health services under Medicaid and commercial insurance. The workgroup, including providers, insurers, consumers, and experts, will study current rates versus actual care costs and develop recommendations for fairer payment models. It specifically focuses on clinics licensed under mental health laws (Articles 31/32) and child health programs, requiring a final report to lawmakers by October 1, 2027. This bill does not change current rates but sets up a review process to inform future policy.
This bill requires all New York public school districts (except New York City) to employ certified school psychologists and licensed school social workers to provide mental health services. It amends education law to mandate these professionals as part of required school mental health services, including evaluations, assessments, and interventions for students' mental health needs. The law specifies these roles must be in addition to staff required under federal special education law (IDEA), directly affecting every public school district and all students attending those schools. The bill defines the scope of services, including confidentiality protocols and school environment recommendations, without altering existing health service requirements.
Relates to the hospitalization, care coordination, and assisted outpatient treatment for persons with mental illness by qualified clinical examiners or qualified mental health professionals; defines qualified clinical examiner and qualified mental health professional.
Provides that a mental health certificate shall be requested from each student at the same time health certificates are required; provides that an assessment and mental health history of any child may be requested by the local school authorities at any time in their discretion to promote the educational interests of such child; makes related provisions.
Requires private insurance plans which provide for reimbursement for psychiatric or psychological services or for diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions to include reimbursement for services provided by child advocacy centers.
Bill S 3474 enhances New York's Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program, commonly known as Kendra's Law, by strengthening oversight and eliminating its scheduled expiration to ensure the program continues without interruption. The bill adds specific requirements for program coordinators to monitor treatment compliance, coordinate services with community providers, and review clinical needs before court orders expire, while mandating community service directors to conduct timely investigations and document processes. It also requires the state to create an educational pamphlet explaining the AOT petition process in plain language for the public. This bill directly affects individuals under court-ordered AOT, mental health program staff, and the public seeking information about the program.
