Requires the commissioner of mental retardation and developmental disabilities to take certain actions upon significant service reduction at a state facility

2 Co-sponsors

• Ruben Diaz
• Tom Libous

Title of bill

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to significant service reductions at facilities of the office of mental retardation and developmental disabilities

Purpose

To establish a process for planning and notification in the event of the planned closure or reduction in services at a state operated facility or research institute.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Amends Section 13.17 of the Mental Hygiene Law in relation to facilities of the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD). In the event that OMRDD plans to close or significantly diminish services at a state operated facility or research institute, it would be required to give at least 12 months notice to consumer organizations, advocacy groups, employee organizations and affected communities and to engage in a planning process including other State agencies and other affected parties to reduce any negative impact of the planned closure or reduction in service.

Section 2. Effective date.

Justification

This legislation applies to facilities of OMRDD a notification and planning process essentially identical to that already required for facilities operated by the Office of Mental Health (OMH) by Mental Hygiene Law Section 7.17. The purpose of this law is to provide reasonable notice to affected communities, consumers and workers and to require that the agency work with these affected parties and other State agencies to minimize any negative impacts that may occur if a facility is closed or significantly downsized. This has been helpful in preventing poorly planned actions that might otherwise have caused significant harm to communities and the citizens who depend on the services of these facilities. OMRDD should also be required to meet the same requirements for notice and planning before actions that could have a profound effect on communities and vulnerable consumers of services.

Legislative history

2008 S.573 Referred to Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities 2007 S.5573 Reported and Committed to Finance 2006-2005 S.3522 - Vetoed by the Governor

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.