Establishes protocols for assisted outpatient treatment for substance abuse

25 Co-sponsors

• Greg Ball
• John J. Bonacic
• Phil Boyle
• Simcha Felder
• Patrick M. Gallivan
• Terry Gipson
• Martin J. Golden
• Joseph A. Griffo
• Kemp Hannon
• Andrew J. Lanza
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Betty Little
• Carl L. Marcellino
• Kathleen A. Marchione
• Jack M. Martins
• George D. Maziarz
• Michael F. Nozzolio
• Thomas F. O'Mara
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• Patty Ritchie
• Joseph E. Robach
• Diane J. Savino
• James L. Seward
• David J. Valesky
• Catharine Young

BILL NUMBER:S7651A

Title of bill

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to establishing protocols for assisted outpatient treatment for substance abuse

Purpose

This bill would create a process in which court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment for substance abuse can be obtained for individuals who are in need of services and are incapable of helping themselves.

Summary of provisions

Section 23.01 defines what assisted outpatient treatment for substance abuse is.

Section 23.03 is definitions.

Section 23.05 sets forth the criteria for assisted outpatient treatment of substance abuse and specifically defines for the purposes of assisted outpatient treatment for substance abuse as a person who is under the influence of an opioid.

Section 23.07 provides the process in which a person can petition the court for an order authorizing assisted outpatient treatment for substance abuse.

Sections 23.09 and 23.11 of this legislation provide for the service and right to counsel to the subject of the petition.

Section 23.15 of this legislation requires that a written treatment plan be developed and provided to the court prior to the court ordering assisted outpatient treatment.

Section 23.19 sets forth the process in which a petition for additional periods of treatment may be obtained.

Section 23.19 of this legislation provides for the petition process for an order to stay, vacate or modify the assisted outpatient treatment.

Section 23.21 establishes the protocol in which an individual who fails to comply with an court ordered treatment plan, shall be brought to a facility or treatment program for emergency services.

Section 23.27 of this legislation requires the office of alcohol and substance abuse services to prepare educational and training material for the use of assisted outpatient treatment for substance abuse and to provide training focused on the issues of heroin and opioid addiction.

Section 23.29 creates the assisted outpatient treatment for substance abuse advisory council.

Justification

The New York State Senate Task force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction has traveled across the State to hear firsthand how

heroin and opioid addiction has quickly become an epidemic that is ravaging our communities.

Many of the people that attended these forums expressed the same Concern about the inability to get a loved one the help they need before it was to late. To address this major concern, this legislation would establish a procedure in which someone could petition a court and obtain an order for assisted outpatient treatment for a substance abuser.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law