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S6619Senate2011-2012 Session

Changes references from developmental centers to developmental disabilities services offices in relation to on-site client advocacy

Sponsor Roy J. McDonaldSD-43+2 co-sponsors
Status
In Senate Committee
Mental Health And Developmental Disabilities
Impact
Pending
Passage
Pending

Bill progress

Step 2 of 7

In committee · Mental Health And Developmental Disabilities

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Sponsors

Primary sponsor
Roy J. McDonald

Senator · Senate District 43

Chair, Mental Health And Developmental Disabilities

History

  1. Referred to mental health and developmental disabilities

Full text

The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.

Sponsor's memo

BILL NUMBER:S6619

Title of bill

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to developmental disabilities services offices

Purpose

Amends section 13.34 by appropriating language in relation to on-site advocacy.

Summary of provisions

This bill amends section 13.34 of the mental hygiene law to delete the term "developmental center(s)" and replace it with the term "Developmental Disabilities Services Offices."

Justification

Section 13.34 of the Mental Hygiene Law was enacted by the Legislature to create an Ombudsman at state run developmental centers to advocate on behalf of developmental center residents. However, many of the individuals who resided in developmental centers now reside in state-operated community residences located in Developmental Disabilities Services Offices. In many instances the responsibilities of the Ombudsman have moved with former developmental center residents as they have moved to state-operated group homes.

This bill conforms the law to the current reality of state-operated service and practice.

The Ombudsman is critical since it provides advocacy for many very vulnerable individuals who would, without an Ombudsman, have no advocate. Recent stories about abuse (i.e. New York Times) underscore the importance of having an advocate for individuals in state-operated homes.

Legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

These positions currently exist at the DDSOs, although some are vacant at the present time.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.

Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.