Adds representatives of a dual diagnosis program to the advisory council on alcoholism and substance abuse services

BILL NUMBER:S3251

Title of bill

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to adding representatives of a dual diagnosis program to the advisory council on alcoholism and substance abuse services

Purpose or general idea of bill

To add representatives of programs that provide services to individuals diagnosed with a co-occurring mental health disorder or a developmental disability and a substance abuse disorder and consumer representatives of such services to the advisory council of the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).

Summary of specific provisions

Section one amends section 19.05 of the Mental Hygiene law by increasing the number of OASAS advisory council members from 26 to 30 and by adding two representatives of dual diagnosis programs and two consumer representatives of such programs to the OASAS advisory council.

Section two provides the effective date.

Justification

According to a 2004 National survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 2.5 million adults in the nation have a co-occurring serious mental illness and substance abuse disorder. Studies have shown that between 40-60 percent of individuals presenting in mental health settings have a co-occurring substance abuse diagnosis and 60-8O percent of individuals presenting in a substance abuse facility have a co-occurring mental health disorder. See Mueser, KT., Drake, RE., Turner, WC., & McGovern, MP. Comorbid substance Use Disorders and Psychiatric Disorders. In W.R. Miller K.M. Carroll (Eds.). Rethinking substance Abuse: What the Science Shows, And What We Should Do About It. (op. 115,133). New York: Guilford Press. 2006. This bill requires that co-occurring programs that provide integrated services are represented in the OASAS advisory council to ensure that the needs of co-occurring diagnosed consumers are adequately represented.

Additionally, alcoholism and substance abuse is a growing problem among those with developmental disabilities. As deinstitutionalization has occurred, many individuals with mild or moderate developmental disabilities are now living within the general community where access to alcohol and drugs is greater. While integration in the community is important, integration of alcohol and substance abuse treatment has not kept pace with deinstitutionalization. This bill requires that alcohol and substance abuse programs that serve consumers with developmental disabilities have representation on the OASAS advisory council to ensure that future OASAS planning include integrating services of persons with a developmental disability.

Prior legislative history

2010 - S.7632-A - DIED IN COMMITTEE; A.10669-A - Passed Assembly

Fiscal implication

Not yet determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.