Creates a course of instruction to train mental health providers in veteran specific mental health issues

28 Co-sponsors

• Eric Adams
• James S. Alesi
• John A. DeFrancisco
• Thomas K. Duane
• John J. Flanagan
• Martin J. Golden
• Joseph A. Griffo
• Kemp Hannon
• Owen H. Johnson
• Andrew J. Lanza
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Kenneth P. LaValle
• Vincent L. Leibell
• Tom Libous
• Betty Little
• George D. Maziarz
• Hiram Monserrate
• Thomas P. Morahan
• George Onorato
• Frank Padavan
• Kevin S. Parker
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• Joseph E. Robach
• José M. Serrano
• William T. Stachowski
• Dale M. Volker
• George Winner
• Catharine Young

Title of bill

An act to create a course of instruction to train mental health providers in veteran specific mental health issues

Purpose

Provides for a grant, through the Division of Veterans Affairs, for the purpose of training social workers in a course of study related to the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD, TBI and combat related mental health issues to include substance abuse.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 short title "The Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative";

Section 2. Legislative Intent;

Section 3 instructs the Division of Veterans Affairs to award a grant through an open and competitive process of no less than $500,000 for the purpose of training social workers, in a course of study related to the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD, TBI and combat related mental health issues to include substance abuse. Provides that Veterans Affairs shall have the power to audit such association to ensure the proper expenditure of state funds;

Section 4 Describes what the association receiving the grant must do in relationship to the course of study;

Section 5 Provides that the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) will consult with the Division of Veterans Affairs and provide guidelines necessary for the proper implementation of this program;

Section 6 Provides that the New York State Education Department, as part of continuing education for social workers, shall require a course of study related to the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD, TBI and combat related mental health issues to include substance abuse.

Fiscal implications

$500,000 for the purpose of training social workers, of all classifications, in a course of study related to the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD, TBI and combat related mental health issues to include substance abuse. This grant shall be distributed in the amount of $250,000.00 at the beginning of each state fiscal year, for 2 years, starting in 2009; however, a sum to be determined by the Division of Veterans Affairs may be forwarded for future year's expenditures if it is determined to be necessary for the proper implementation of the program.

Effective date

This act shall take effect sixty days succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law. All departments or divisions of the state mention herein are hereby authorized and directed to create, amend and/or repeal any and all rules or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on or before the effective date.