Relates to the training of police officers and firefighters with respect to persons with disabilities and hearing-impaired people

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Amends the general municipal law by adding a new section 209-ff to require training for police officers and firefighters with respect to persons with disabilities.

Sub-section (1)(a). Provides that the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services in consultation with the Commis- sioner of the Office of Mental Retardation and developmental. Disabili- ties along with disability advocacy groups shall review the training course entitled "persons with Disabilities" under the "Basic Course" to make necessary modifications to include additional information on devel- opmental disabilities and hearing impairments. Further, that the train- ing course be administered by the Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, created under article forty-five of the mental hygiene law, as part of the in-service training provided to police Officers.

Subsection (1)(b). Provides that every local police officer shall complete the above-mentioned training course and that every police offi- cer appointed prior to the effective date of this law shall complete the course within thirty-six months.

Subsection (2)(a). Provides that the State Fire Administrator of the Office of Fire Prevention and Control in consultation with the Commis- sioner of the Office of Mental Retardation and developmental Disabili- ties along with disability advocacy groups shall adapt training programs in accordance with (1) (a) above within sixteen months.

Subsection (2)(b), Provides that all individuals engaged in fire suppression, fire fighting, or fire rescue shall complete training as part of their continuing education requirements at least every thirty- six months.

Section 2. Amends the public health law by adding a new section 3054 in relation to the training of emergency responders with respect to persons with disabilities.

Subsection (1). Provides that the Director of the New York State Health Department Bureau of Emergency Medical Services in consultation with the Commissioner of the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disa-

bilities along with disability advocacy groups shall adapt training programs in accordance with (1) (a) above within eighteen months.

Subsection (2). Requires training pursuant to 209-ff (1)(a) above prior to certification of every advanced emergency medical technician, emer- gency medical technician or first responder by the Health Department.

Subsection (3). Requires training that is substantially similar to the training mandated under 209-ff (1)(a) above prior to recertification of every advanced emergency medical technician, emergency medical techni- cian or first responder by the Health Department. This section also provides that no advanced emergency medical technician, emergency medical technician or first responder shall be exempt from this require- ment for and reason, certification or test score.

Section 3. Sets forth the effective date.

Justification

Individuals with developmental disabilities comprise about 1.5% of the entire population of the United States and they rely on first responders (police, firefighters and emergency medical techni- cians) in emergency situations. In fact, an individual with a develop- mental disability is approximately seven times more likely to come into contact with a first responder. Without proper training for first responders, the emergency needs of these individuals may not be properly served, and an emergency situation can escalate leading to an unneces- sary fear, injury or even death. Standard protocols cannot always be used because of communication and comprehension barriers, differences in danger perception or sensitivity to pain and physical contact.

When emergency situations arise, it is essential that first responders have the appropriate skill set so that persons with developmental disa- bilities will receive proper assistance. Therefore, specialized training is necessary to ensure New York's first responders are capable of iden- tifying individuals with developmental disabilities and communicating in an appropriate and effective manner in response to the particular emer- gency situation. This legislation will ensure New York's first respon- ders receive that training by adding to existing training and re-certi- fication requirements.

Legislative history

None

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

EFFECTIVE DATE:; This act shall take effect immediately,