Help Teams for Abused Adults

Section 1. Legislative findings. The utilization of multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) can be extremely valuable in the implementation of certain programs, particularly those which are likely to have a widespread impact and affect several professions, as is the case with most systems of mandatory reporting. MDTs make use of the experience, expertise, and perspectives which may be unique to individuals involved in one of the affected professions. Before a program is implemented which may have a broad impact, MDTs can be a valuable resource in developing an effective strategy that minimizes unintended negative consequences. In many instances, it is appropriate for a government entity to establish an MDT with which the entity may collaborate with and seek input from regarding the specifics of a planned project.

Beyond the general usefulness of MDTs, where a proposed program which will affect the members of many professions is to be created by statute, it is often recommended to also include language providing for the establishment of MDT to provide input on any specifics not contained in the statute. This inclusion ensures that the involved professions have a chance to be heard before a program is implemented in a way which might adversely affect the members of such professions or the individuals served by the professions.

§ 2. The executive law is amended by adding a new section 501-i to read as follows:

§ 501-i. Multi-disciplinary team demonstration program. The office of children and family services is hereby authorized, in conjunction with the office for the aging, to establish a multi-disciplinary team demon-

EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets

[ ] is old law to be omitted.

LBD08266-01-7

A. 5092 2

stration program, subject to appropriation of funds for the program, to establish multi-disciplinary teams at the county level for complex cases of adult abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Such multi-disciplinary teams will be comprised of professionals across disciplines that provide professional knowledge and expertise of their respective professional disciplines, as well as a full-time, skilled and experienced multi-disciplinary team coordinator for each demonstration location. The multi-disciplinary team coordinator will provide case consultation, triage cases, facilitate county-level multi-disciplinary team meetings, monitor progress, and facilitate coordination and cooperative action in the provision of appropriate services to an individual identified as being a victim of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, as well as other duties associated with the role. Such multi-disciplinary teams shall consist of representation by professionals generally authorized to make decisions on behalf of their agency from selected public, private, and voluntary agencies including but not limited to health/medical, mental health, aging, protective services, human services, social work, banking/financial institutions, legal services, and law enforcement agencies, and include specialty services such as forensic accounting, geriatrics, and psychiatry/geropsychiatry, on a fee-for-service basis. A secure database use by the multi-disciplinary team coordinator for intake, tracking, and outcomes of such cases will be established and used as part of the demonstration program.

§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.