BILL NUMBER: S8244

SPONSOR: KENNEDY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to establishing an
intensive addiction recovery and mental health integrated services pilot
program; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration
thereof

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This bill would establish an intensive addiction recovery and mental
health integrated services demonstration program for individuals with
significant addiction and mental health issues who have had multiple and
frequent treatment episodes

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: establishes "Topher's Law"

Section 2: amends the mental hygiene law by adding section 19.18-d to
              

create a pilot program to support two three-year demonstration programs
that provide intensive addiction and mental health integrated services
to individuals with significant addiction and mental health issues who
have had multiple and frequent treatment episodes. One of the demon-
stration programs shall be located in a rural area and one shall be
located in an urban setting. Services shall include but not be limited
to mental health counseling services for the individuals and their fami-
lies, peer supports, and transportation assistance, and shall be prima-
rily provided in the community or home of the individual, as clinically
and socially necessitated.

Section 3: requires the commissioner to provide a written evaluation no
later than January first, two thousand twenty-four, and annually there-
after, which, at minimum, addresses the overall effectiveness of the
program, identifies best practices for services provided and any addi-
tional services that may be appropriate, and addresses whether continua-
tion or expansion of the demonstration program is recommended. The writ-
ten evaluation shall be made publicly available on the office's website.

Section 4: establishes the effective date

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Topher's Law is an initiative designed to support individuals suffering
from co-occurring disorders (substance use disorders and significant
mental health diagnoses) by developing models that remove barriers to
obtaining treatment and promote greater access to appropriate services.
Most current OASAS treatment programs are not able to treat individuals
who have significant co-occurring disorders. This demonstration program
would assist individuals with both sets of diagnoses and create a
person-centered treatment model that ensures each individual receives a
level of care appropriate to them. Services encompassed by such a
person-centered treatment model may include:

*Peer Support;
*Family Counseling/Family Support;
*Mental Health Counseling;
*Substance Use Disorder Treatment;
*Medication Assisted Recovery;
*Regular employment transportation;
*Education transportation, such as trade school, 2- or 4-year degree
programs, or apprenticeships;
*Shopping for healthy food, clothing, and other essential items;
*Trips to Mutual Aid Meetings Narcotics Anonymous/Alcoholics Anonymous;
*Trips to court or drug court, or court-related appointments (probation
officer, social worker, etc.);
*Trips that reduce social isolation, such as social outings with others
engaged in sober living; and
*Trips to local recovery community outreach centers or other community-
based supports.

Because this model is tailored to individual needs, the program will
help individuals improve their situation by providing them with hope and
confidence to move forward. COVID-19 has increased social isolation and
unemployment leading to especially disastrous results for individuals
with co-occurring disorders. The primary purpose of this pilot program
is to provide services which are not currently offered to one of the
most vulnerable populations in OASAS treatment settings. Giving people
support they need to get back on their feet by providing integrated
services will pay back dividends in increased productivity, earning
potential, and a decrease in re-admittance in existing programs.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

None

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2025