S. 2398 2
and facilities for individuals with mental disabilities, ALCOHOL USE
DISORDERS, AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS; and to cooperate with other
local governments and with the state in the provision of joint services
and sharing of [manpower] PERSONNEL resources.
(B) Effective implementation of this article requires the [direction]
ESTABLISHMENT and administration, by each local governmental unit, of a
local comprehensive planning process for its geographic area in which
all providers of services shall participate and cooperate in the
provision of all necessary information. [It] THIS ARTICLE also initiates
a planning effort involving the state, local governments and other
providers of service for the purpose of promoting continuity of care
through the development of integrated systems of care and treatment for
individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and for
those [suffering from the diseases of alcoholism] WITH ALCOHOL USE
DISORDER and substance [abuse] USE DISORDER.
(C) SUCH PLANNING EFFORT MUST ALSO SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS THE DEVELOP-
MENT OF AN EFFECTIVE CRISIS RESPONSE SYSTEM THAT INCLUDES THE USE OF
NON-POLICE, COMMUNITY-RUN CRISIS FIRST RESPONDER TEAMS UTILIZING PEERS
AND INDEPENDENT EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS AS FIRST RESPONDERS. TO
ENSURE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE AND INCLUSIVE PLAN, THE CRISIS
SERVICES PLANNING EFFORT MUST INCLUDE AT LEAST FIFTY-ONE PERCENT PEERS
AND FAMILY PEERS, AND THE REMAINING FORTY-NINE PERCENT MUST BE FAMILY
MEMBERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE PROVIDERS WHO SHALL BE INDEPEND-
ENT OF ANY LOCAL GOVERNMENT'S EMERGENCY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND OPER-
ATED BY A NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION VIA A CONTRACT WITH THE LOCAL
GOVERNMENT PROVIDERS OF CRISIS SERVICES, 9-8-8 PERSONNEL, AND OTHER
NON-GOVERNMENTAL COMMUNITY AGENCIES WHICH MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH A
PERSON EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH OR ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE
CRISIS.
§ 4. Section 41.03 of the mental hygiene law is amended by adding six
new subdivisions 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 to read as follows:
14. "EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES PLAN" MEANS A PLAN WHICH IS PART
OF, AND SUBMITTED WITH, THE LOCAL SERVICES PLAN, BUT IS PLANNED AND
DEVELOPED SPECIFICALLY TO ENSURE THAT ALL SERVICES, POLICIES, TRAINING,
PROCEDURES, EXPENDITURES AND CONTRACTS FOR SERVICES AND PROCESSES USED
TO ASSIST PEOPLE EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH OR ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE
USE CRISES ARE PEER-FOCUSED, DESIGNED TO DECREASE CONTACT WITH POLICE
AND CENTERED ON INCREASED ACCESS TO CARE OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY.
15. "ELIGIBLE EMERGENCY AND CRISIS RESPONSE SERVICES" MEANS SERVICES
ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING UNDER SECTION 41.18 OF THIS ARTICLE, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, CRISIS RESPONSE TEAMS, CRISIS STABILIZATION SERVICES AND
CENTERS, PEER LIVING ROOMS, PEER SUPPORT CENTERS, MOBILE CRISIS TEAMS
NOT UTILIZING LAW ENFORCEMENT AS PART OF THE TEAM, CRISIS COLLABORA-
TIVES, PEER CRISIS SERVICES, AND CRISIS SYSTEM OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT,
WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN AN EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES PLAN.
16. "CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM" MEANS ONE EXTENSIVELY-TRAINED PEER ACTING
AS A CRISIS WORKER AND ONE EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN INDEPENDENT OF
ANY LOCAL GOVERNMENT'S EMERGENCY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND OPERATED BY A
NON-GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY VIA A CONTRACT WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
17. "PEER" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WITH LIVED MENTAL HEALTH EXPERIENCE
AND/OR ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER EXPERIENCE, WHO HAS EXPERI-
ENCE NAVIGATING SYSTEMS SUCH AS THE HEALTHCARE, MENTAL HEALTH, JUDICIAL,
CRIMINAL LEGAL, HOUSING, EDUCATION, AND EMPLOYMENT SYSTEMS.
18. "FAMILY PEER" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE AS THE
BIOLOGICAL, FOSTER, OR ADOPTIVE PARENT, OR THE PRIMARY CAREGIVER, OF
CHILDREN/YOUTH WITH SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, BEHAVIORAL, MENTAL HEALTH OR
S. 2398 3
ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS, WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE NAVIGATING
SYSTEMS SUCH AS THE HEALTHCARE, MENTAL HEALTH, JUDICIAL, CRIMINAL LEGAL,
HOUSING, EDUCATION, AND EMPLOYMENT SYSTEMS.
19. "STATEWIDE EMERGENCY AND CRISIS RESPONSE COUNCIL" MEANS THE COUN-
CIL CREATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 5.08 OF THIS CHAPTER.
§ 5. Section 41.07 of the mental hygiene law is amended by adding a
new subdivision (d) to read as follows:
(D) IN DEVELOPING THE EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES PLAN DEFINED BY
SUBDIVISION FOURTEEN OF SECTION 41.03 OF THIS ARTICLE AND MANDATED BY
PARAGRAPH SEVENTEEN OF SUBDIVISION (A) OF SECTION 41.13 OF THIS ARTICLE,
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DEVELOP JOINT PLANS FOR A REGIONAL
OR SUB-REGIONAL SERVICE AREA TO MAXIMIZE THE USE AND AVAILABILITY OF
CRISIS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR ALL PERSONS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL
HEALTH OR ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS IN THAT REGION OR SUB-RE-
GION.
§ 6. Subdivision (a) of section 41.13 of the mental hygiene law is
amended by adding a new paragraph 17 to read as follows:
17. SUBMIT AN EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES PLAN, EITHER ALONE OR WITH
OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN A REGION OR SUB-REGION, AS REQUIRED BY SUBDI-
VISION FOURTEEN OF SECTION 41.03 OF THIS ARTICLE TO COMPREHENSIVELY PLAN
FOR EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES AS IS REQUIRED BY THIS CHAPTER.
(I) THE EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES PLANNING PROCESS SHALL INCLUDE
PEERS, FAMILY PEERS, FAMILY MEMBERS, EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE PROVID-
ERS, 9-8-8 PERSONNEL AND PERSONNEL OF OTHER COMMUNITY AGENCIES WHICH MAY
COME IN CONTACT WITH A PERSON EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH OR ALCO-
HOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS. PEERS AND FAMILY PEERS SHALL CONSTITUTE
AT LEAST FIFTY-ONE PERCENT OF THE PLANNING GROUP.
(II) THE EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES PLAN SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH
THE COMMISSIONER'S REGULATIONS FOR CRISIS SERVICES PLANS, DEVELOPED
PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (F) OF SECTION 5.05 OF THIS CHAPTER AFTER
CONSULTATION WITH THE STATEWIDE EMERGENCY AND CRISIS RESPONSE COUNCIL.
§ 7. Subdivision (b) of section 41.18 of the mental hygiene law is
amended by adding a new paragraph (vi) to read as follows:
(VI) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS SUBDIVISION, LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS, INDIVIDUALLY OR JOINTLY, SHALL BE GRANTED STATE AID OF ONE
HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE NET OPERATING COSTS EXPENDED BY SUCH LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS, AND BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHICH HAVE CONTRACTED WITH SUCH
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, FOR ELIGIBLE EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES AS DEFINED
BY SUBDIVISION FIFTEEN OF SECTION 41.03 OF THIS ARTICLE THAT ARE
INCLUDED IN AN APPROVED EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES PLAN. FUNDING
PROVIDED PURSUANT TO THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL BE AUTHORIZED ONLY FOR
SERVICES THAT HAVE A NON-POLICE, NON-LAW ENFORCEMENT, OR NON-CRIMINAL
LEGAL COMPONENT AND INCLUDE PEERS.
§ 8. Section 5.05 of the mental hygiene law is amended by adding four
new subdivisions (f), (g), (h) and (i) to read as follows:
(F) THE COMMISSIONER OF MENTAL HEALTH AND THE COMMISSIONER OF
ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS SHALL BE JOINTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVEL-
OPING AND REVISING AS NECESSARY, IN REGULATION, SPECIFIC STANDARDS AND
PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION AND FINANCING OF CRISIS AND EMERGENCY
SERVICES, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE STATEWIDE EMERGENCY AND CRISIS
RESPONSE COUNCIL. SUCH STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES SHALL REQUIRE THAT THE
EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES PLANS INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO
OVERSEE AND MEASURE THE APPROVED PLAN'S EFFECTIVENESS IN DELIVERING
HIGH-QUALITY, PEER-FOCUSED CRISIS SERVICES, INCLUDING RESPONSE TIME
STANDARDS, AND PERIODIC REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. THE COMMISSIONERS SHALL
REQUIRE SPECIFIC METRICS THAT APPROVED PLANS SHALL UTILIZE TO EVALUATE
S. 2398 4
SYSTEM PROGRESS, EFFECTIVENESS, AND APPROPRIATE RESPONSE TIMES TO
CRISES, WHICH SHALL BE THE SAME AS OR LESS THAN CURRENT RESPONSE TIMES
FOR OTHER HEALTH CRISES.
(G) THE COMMISSIONER OF MENTAL HEALTH AND THE COMMISSIONER OF
ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS SHALL BE JOINTLY RESPONSIBLE TO ENSURE
THAT:
(1) A NON-POLICE, COMMUNITY-RUN PUBLIC HEALTH-BASED RESPONSE THAT
UTILIZES TRAINED PEER AND INDEPENDENT EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN
CRISIS RESPONSE TEAMS FOR ANYONE EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH,
ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS IS ESTABLISHED. ANY CRISIS RESPONSE
TEAM MAY REQUEST THAT A PEACE OFFICER AS DEFINED BY SECTION 2.10 OF
THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE LAW, OR POLICE OFFICER AS DEFINED BY SECTION 1.20
OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE LAW, TRANSPORT A PERSON IN DISTRESS DUE TO
MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS OR ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE, WHEN SUCH
TEAM HAS EXHAUSTED ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR OBTAINING CONSENT FROM SUCH
PERSON, SUCH PERSON REFUSES TREATMENT OR TRANSPORT FROM THE CRISIS
RESPONSE TEAM; AND:
(I) SUCH PERSON POSES A SUBSTANTIAL RISK OF PHYSICAL HARM TO OTHER
PERSONS AS MANIFESTED BY HOMICIDAL OR OTHER VIOLENT BEHAVIOR BY
WHICH OTHERS ARE PLACED IN REASONABLE FEAR OF IMMINENT SERIOUS PHYSICAL
HARM; OR
(II) SUCH CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM MAKES AN ASSESSMENT, IN LIGHT
OF THE TOTALITY OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THAT THE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM IS
AT RISK OF IMMINENT PHYSICAL VIOLENCE DUE TO THE PERSON'S ACTIONS;
(2) THE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAMS OPERATE TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY, THREE
HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE DAYS A YEAR;
(3) THE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAMS RECEIVE CULTURALLY COMPETENT, TRAUMA-IN-
FORMED, EXPERIENTIALLY-BASED, AND PEER-LED TRAINING;
(4) THE AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME FOR THE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAMS IS THE
SAME AS OR LESS THAN THE CURRENT RESPONSE TIME FOR OTHER HEALTH CRISES;
(5) THE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAMS DE-ESCALATE ANY SITUATION INVOLVING
INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING CRISIS DUE TO MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS,
ALCOHOL USE, OR SUBSTANCE USE AND AVOID THE USE OF NONCONSENSUAL TREAT-
MENT, TRANSPORT, OR FORCE WHEREVER POSSIBLE;
(6) THE MOST APPROPRIATE TREATMENT IS PROVIDED TO INDIVIDUALS EXPERI-
ENCING A MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS;
(7) VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENT AND REFERRAL OF INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING A
MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS ARE MAXIMIZED;
(8) ARREST, DETENTION, AND CONTACT WITH THE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM OF
INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE
CRISIS ARE MINIMIZED;
(9) THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS WHO EXPERIENCE PHYSICAL HARM AND/OR
TRAUMA AS A RESULT OF A MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE
CRISIS ARE MINIMIZED;
(10) 9-8-8 PERSONNEL RESPOND TO INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL
HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS AND ARE OPTIMALLY UTILIZED
AND INTEGRATED IN THE EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES PLAN;
(11) A DETAILED PLAN TO MANAGE, OVERSEE, MONITOR AND REGULARLY REPORT
ON THE OPERATION OF THE PROPOSED CRISIS RESPONSE SYSTEM WHICH MEETS THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE ACTIVITIES AS REQUIRED BY SUBDIVISION (I) OF THIS
SECTION IS ESTABLISHED;
(12) WHENEVER AN EMERGENCY HOTLINE IN NEW YORK STATE, SUCH AS 911 OR
311, RECEIVES A CALL REGARDING AN INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCING A MENTAL
HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS, SUCH HOTLINE WILL REFER
SUCH CALL TO THE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM FOR THE RELEVANT GEOGRAPHIC AREA;
AND
S. 2398 5
(13) THE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAMS EFFECTIVELY RESPOND TO ALL INDIVIDUALS
EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS WITH
CULTURALLY COMPETENT, TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE AND WITHOUT REGARD TO SOURCE
OF FUNDING.
(H) (1) WITHIN TWELVE MONTHS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SUBDIVI-
SION, THE COMMISSIONER OF MENTAL HEALTH AND THE COMMISSIONER OF
ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS SHALL SELECT AN INDEPENDENT ORGANIZATION
TO CONDUCT AN EVALUATION OF THE STATEWIDE IMPACT OF THE EMERGENCY AND
CRISIS RESPONSE SERVICES MANDATED BY THIS SECTION ON:
(I) THE NUMBER OF CALLS TO, AND RESPONSES SENT BY, DISPATCH SERVICES
INCLUDING 311, 911, AND 988 IN RESPONSE TO PEOPLE EXPERIENCING MENTAL
HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE, OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISES;
(II) THE TYPES OF CRISES RESPONDED TO;
(III) THE DISPOSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RESULT OF EACH SUCH
CALL, ANONYMIZED TO PROTECT INDIVIDUALS' PRIVACY;
(IV) DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION INCLUDING THE RACE, ETHNICITY, GENDER,
DISABILITY, AND AGE OF ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO IS THE SUBJECT OF ANY DISPATCH
CALL OR INTERACTION BY A LOCAL CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM;
(V) THE DETAILS AND DESTINATION OF TRANSPORT OF ANY PERSON EXPERIENC-
ING A MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS;
(VI) THE SERVICES PROVIDED TO SUCH INDIVIDUALS;
(VII) THE IMPACT OF EMERGENCY AND CRISIS RESPONSE SERVICES MANDATED BY
THIS SECTION ON EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS, USE OF AMBULATORY SERVICES,
HOSPITALS AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE TWENTY-EIGHT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW
AND/OR MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES AS DEFINED IN SECTION 1.03 OF THE MENTAL
HYGIENE LAW; AND
(VIII) THE INVOLVEMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT IN MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL
USE OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISES, INCLUDING ANY USE OF FORCE OR RESTRAINT
TACTICS OR DEVICES.
(2) THE COMMISSIONER OF MENTAL HEALTH AND THE COMMISSIONER OF
ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS SHALL DIRECT THE ORGANIZATION SELECTED
UNDER PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS SUBDIVISION TO ISSUE ITS EVALUATION WITHIN
SIX MONTHS OF THE FIRST OPERATING DATE OF ANY APPROVED REGIONAL EMERGEN-
CY AND CRISIS SERVICES PLAN, AND SHALL INCLUDE DATA FROM ANY REGIONAL
PLAN THEN APPROVED AND OPERATING IN THE STATE. SUCH EVALUATION SHALL BE
MADE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE AND POSTED ON THE DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE UPON
RECEIPT BY SUCH COMMISSIONERS. IN ADDITION TO THE REPORTING REQUIRE-
MENTS ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS SUBDIVISION, THE
COMMISSIONER OF MENTAL HEALTH AND THE COMMISSIONER OF ADDICTION SERVICES
AND SUPPORTS SHALL COLLECT ALL DATA LISTED UNDER PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS
SUBDIVISION, AND SHALL REPORT SUCH DATA IN A FORM AND MANNER THAT IS
ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC VIA THE DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE. THE FIRST DATA
REPORT REQUIRED BY THIS PARAGRAPH, AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
SUBDIVISION, SHALL BE MADE PUBLIC WITHIN NINETY DAYS OF THE APPROVAL OF
ANY REGIONAL EMERGENCY AND CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN, AND SHALL BE MADE
PUBLIC IN AN ONGOING MANNER EVERY NINETY DAYS THEREAFTER AND INCLUDE
DATA FROM EVERY ACTIVE REGIONAL EMERGENCY AND CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN
APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND THE COMMISSIONER OF
ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS.
(3) NO LATER THAN TWELVE MONTHS AFTER THE APPROVAL BY THE COMMISSIONER
OF MENTAL HEALTH AND THE COMMISSIONER OF ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS
OF ANY REGIONAL EMERGENCY AND CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN, THE COMMISSIONER OF
MENTAL HEALTH AND THE COMMISSIONER OF ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS
SHALL PREPARE A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE
SPECIFYING:
S. 2398 6
(I) THE RESULTS OF THE EVALUATION CARRIED OUT UNDER PARAGRAPH ONE OF
THIS SUBDIVISION;
(II) THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS WHO RECEIVED QUALIFYING COMMUNITY-BASED
CRISIS RESPONSE SERVICES;
(III) DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION REGARDING SUCH INDIVIDUALS WHEN AVAIL-
ABLE, INCLUDING THE RACE, ETHNICITY, AGE, DISABILITY, SEX, SEXUAL ORIEN-
TATION, GENDER IDENTITY, AND GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF SUCH INDIVIDUALS;
(IV) THE PROCESSES AND MODELS DEVELOPED BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN THEIR
EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES PLANS TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY-BASED CRISIS
RESPONSE SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PROCESSES DEVELOPED TO PROVIDE REFER-
RALS FOR, OR COORDINATION WITH, FOLLOW-UP CARE AND SERVICES;
(V) THE DIVERSION OF INDIVIDUALS FROM JAILS, INCARCERATION, OR SIMILAR
SETTINGS;
(VI) THE DIVERSION OF INDIVIDUALS FROM PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS, COMMIT-
MENTS UNDER CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED EIGHT OF THE LAWS OF NINETEEN HUNDRED
NINETY-NINE, CONSTITUTING KENDRA'S LAW, AND OTHER INVOLUNTARY SERVICES;
(VII) THE EXPERIENCES OF INDIVIDUALS WHO RECEIVE COMMUNITY-BASED
CRISIS RESPONSE SERVICES;
(VIII) THE SUCCESSFUL CONNECTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH FOLLOW-UP
SERVICES;
(IX) THE UTILIZATION OF SERVICES BY UNDERSERVED AND HISTORICALLY
EXCLUDED COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING BLACK, INDIGENOUS AND PEOPLE OF COLOR
(BIPOC) POPULATIONS;
(X) THE COST OR COST SAVINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SUCH EMERGENCY AND CRISIS
RESPONSE SERVICES;
(XI) OTHER RELEVANT OUTCOMES IDENTIFIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF MENTAL
HEALTH AND THE COMMISSIONER OF ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS AND THE
STATEWIDE ADVISORY EMERGENCY AND CRISIS RESPONSE COUNCIL;
(XII) HOW ALL ON-GOING ASPECTS OF ASSESSMENT COMPARE WITH THE HISTOR-
ICAL MEASURES OF SUCH ASSESSMENTS; AND
(XIII) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EMERGENCY AND CRISIS
SERVICES SYSTEMS THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
(4) ALL REPORTS AND EVALUATIONS CONDUCTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
MENTAL HEALTH AND THE COMMISSIONER OF ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS
SHALL BE MADE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE, INCLUDING ON THE WEBSITE OF THE
DEPARTMENT.
(I) THE COMMISSIONERS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES AND
SUPPORTS AND THE COUNCIL CREATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 5.08 OF THIS ARTI-
CLE, SHALL BE JOINTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROVAL OF THE EMERGENCY AND
CRISIS SERVICES PLAN COMPONENT OF A LOCAL SERVICES PLAN SUBMITTED BY ONE
OR MORE LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL UNITS. EACH PLAN SHALL HAVE AN ATTESTATION
THAT SUCH PLAN WAS DEVELOPED AS PRESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH SEVENTEEN OF
SUBDIVISION (A) OF SECTION 41.13 OF THIS CHAPTER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR
APPROVAL. SUCH APPROVAL SHALL SERVE AS THE BASIS FOR FUNDING ELIGIBLE
EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (VI) OF SUBDIVISION
(B) OF SECTION 41.18 OF THIS CHAPTER.
§ 9. The mental hygiene law is amended by adding a new section 5.08 to
read as follows:
§ 5.08 STATEWIDE EMERGENCY AND CRISIS RESPONSE COUNCIL.
(A) THERE IS HEREBY CREATED IN THE DEPARTMENT THE STATEWIDE EMERGENCY
AND CRISIS RESPONSE COUNCIL TO WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COMMISSIONER
OF MENTAL HEALTH AND THE COMMISSIONER OF ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS
TO JOINTLY APPROVE EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES PLANS SUBMITTED BY ONE
OR MORE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS, AND PROVIDE SUPPORTS ON MATTERS REGARD-
ING THE OPERATION AND FINANCING OF HIGH-QUALITY EMERGENCY AND CRISIS
S. 2398 7
SERVICES PROVIDED TO PERSONS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE
OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS.
(B) FOUR MEMBERS OF THE STATE COUNCIL SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVER-
NOR. SIXTEEN MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE STATE
LEGISLATURE, AS FOLLOWS: (1) FOUR MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE
SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY; (2) FOUR MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE
TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE; (3) ONE MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED BY
THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY; (4) ONE MEMBER SHALL BE
APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE; (5) TWO MEMBERS SHALL BE
APPOINTED BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON MENTAL HEALTH;
(6) TWO MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SENATE
COMMITTEE ON MENTAL HEALTH; (7) ONE MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE
RANKING MINORITY MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON MENTAL HEALTH;
AND (8) ONE MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE RANKING MINORITY MEMBER OF
THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON MENTAL HEALTH. THE MEMBERSHIP SHALL CONSIST OF
AT LEAST FIFTY-ONE PERCENT PEERS AND FAMILY PEERS. THE ENTIRE STATEWIDE
EMERGENCY AND CRISIS RESPONSE COUNCIL SHALL REFLECT THE STATE'S DIVERSI-
TY OF RACE, AGE, LANGUAGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ETHNICITY, GEOGRAPHY, AND
DISABILITY. AT LEAST ONE-THIRD OF THE COUNCIL SHALL HAVE DEMONSTRATED
CERTIFICATION, TRAINING, OR EMPLOYMENT IN CULTURALLY COMPETENT RESPONSES
TO MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISES. EVERY PERSON
APPOINTED TO THE COUNCIL SHALL HAVE DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE OF, AND
SKILLS IN, CULTURALLY COMPETENT PROVISION OF TRAUMA-INFORMED MENTAL
HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE, AND SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS RESPONSE SERVICES. EACH
MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL SHALL BE A FAMILY PEER; LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH OR
ADDICTION CLINICIAN; A LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH OR ADDICTION COUNSELOR; A
LICENSED PHYSICIAN, NURSE, OR MENTAL HEALTH OR ADDICTION PROVIDER; A
MENTAL HEALTH OR ADDICTION COUNSELOR; A REPRESENTATIVE OF A NOT-FOR-PRO-
FIT DISABILITY JUSTICE ORGANIZATION; AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN; OR
A CRISIS HEALTH CARE WORKER.
(C) THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, UPON SECURING A QUORUM, SHALL ELECT A
CHAIRPERSON FROM AMONG THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF
THOSE COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT.
(D) THE TERM OF OFFICE OF MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL SHALL BE FOUR YEARS,
EXCEPT THAT OF THOSE MEMBERS FIRST APPOINTED, AT LEAST ONE-HALF BUT NOT
MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS SHALL BE FOR TERMS NOT TO EXCEED TWO YEARS. VACAN-
CIES SHALL BE FILLED BY APPOINTMENT FOR THE REMAINDER OF AN UNEXPIRED
TERM. THE COUNCIL MEMBERS SHALL CONTINUE IN OFFICE UNTIL THE EXPIRATION
OF THEIR TERMS AND UNTIL THEIR SUCCESSORS ARE APPOINTED. NO COUNCIL
MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED TO THE COUNCIL FOR MORE THAN FOUR CONSECUTIVE
TERMS.
(E) THE COUNCIL SHALL ADVISE, OVERSEE, ASSIST AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS
TO THE COMMISSIONERS ON SPECIFIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING THE
OPERATION AND FINANCING OF EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES WHICH:
(1) ENSURE A NON-POLICE, TRAUMA-INFORMED, AND PUBLIC HEALTH-BASED
RESPONSE TO ANYONE IN THE STATE EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL
USE, OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS;
(2) ARE DESIGNED TO DE-ESCALATE ANY SITUATION INVOLVING INDIVIDUALS
EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE, OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS, AND
WHICH ELIMINATE THE USE OF NON-CONSENSUAL TREATMENT, NON-CONSENSUAL
TRANSPORT, AND FORCE;
(3) ENSURE THE MOST APPROPRIATE TREATMENT OF INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING
A MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS;
(4) MAXIMIZE THE USE OF VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENT AND VOLUNTARY REFERRAL OF
INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE
CRISIS;
S. 2398 8
(5) MINIMIZE ARREST AND DETENTION BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MINIMIZE
CONTACT WITH THE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING A
MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE, OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS;
(6) MINIMIZE PHYSICAL HARM AND TRAUMA FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO EXPERIENCE A
MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE, OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS; AND
(7) EFFECTIVELY RESPOND TO ALL INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL
HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE, OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS WITH CULTURALLY COMPETENT
CARE AND WITHOUT REGARD TO SOURCE OF FUNDING.
(F) THE COUNCIL SHALL ALSO REVIEW EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SERVICES
PROGRAMS AND SYSTEMS OPERATING WITHIN THE STATE OR NATIONALLY, WHICH
COULD BE DEPLOYED IN THIS STATE AS MODEL CRISIS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
SYSTEMS.
(G) THE COUNCIL SHALL MEET AS FREQUENTLY AS ITS BUSINESS MAY REQUIRE,
BUT NO LESS FREQUENTLY THAN FOUR TIMES PER YEAR DURING THE FIRST FOUR
YEARS OF THE COUNCIL'S CREATION, AND TWO TIMES PER YEAR SUBSEQUENTLY
AFTER THE FIRST FOUR YEARS. AT LEAST ONE OF SUCH MEETINGS PER YEAR
SHALL BE HELD IN A MANNER AND AT A TIME DESIGNED TO MAXIMIZE PARTIC-
IPATION OF WORKING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL SHALL
BE GOVERNED BY THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE SEVEN OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS
LAW, AND SHALL BE OPEN TO AND ACCESSIBLE BY THE PUBLIC INCLUDING BY
VIDEO CONFERENCE OR COMPUTER TO THE GREATEST EXTENT POSSIBLE.
(H) THE PRESENCE OF TWELVE VOTING MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, CONSIST-
ING OF AT LEAST FIFTY-ONE PERCENT OF PEERS AND FAMILY PEERS, SHALL
CONSTITUTE A QUORUM.
(I) THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL SHALL RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION FOR THEIR
SERVICES AS MEMBERS, BUT EACH SHALL BE ALLOWED THE NECESSARY AND
ACTUAL EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES UNDER THIS
SECTION, INCLUDING A REASONABLE REIMBURSEMENT RATE FOR TRAVEL, LODG-
ING, AND MEALS WHILE ATTENDING MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL.
§ 10. Subdivision (a) of section 9.41 of the mental hygiene law, as
amended by section 4 of part AA of chapter 57 of the laws of 2021, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) Any peace officer, when acting pursuant to [his or her] SUCH PEACE
OFFICER'S special duties, or police officer who is a member of the state
police or of an authorized police department or force or of a sheriff's
department may take into custody any person who appears to be [mentally
ill and] EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL USE OR SUBSTANCE USE
CRISIS IN THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES:
1. SUCH PERSON is conducting [himself or herself] THEMSELF in a manner
which is likely to result in [serious] AN IMMINENT RISK OF SERIOUS PHYS-
ICAL harm to [the person or] OTHER PERSONS AS MANIFESTED BY HOMICIDAL OR
OTHER VIOLENT BEHAVIOR BY WHICH others ARE PLACED IN REASONABLE FEAR OF
SERIOUS PHYSICAL HARM. Such officer may direct the removal of such
person or remove [him or her] SUCH PERSON to any hospital specified in
subdivision (a) of section 9.39 of this article, or any comprehensive
psychiatric emergency program specified in subdivision (a) of section
9.40 of this article, or pending [his or her] SUCH PERSON'S examination
or admission to any such hospital or COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY
PROGRAM, [program,] temporarily detain any such person in another safe
and comfortable place, in which event, such officer shall immediately
notify:
(I) THE APPROPRIATE LOCAL CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO
PARAGRAPH SIXTEEN OF SUBDIVISION (A) OF SECTION 41.03 OF THIS CHAPTER,
IF ANY, AND the director of community services or, if there be none, the
health officer of the city or county of such action[.];
S. 2398 9
(II) THE STATE POLICE, OR THE DEPARTMENT OR FORCE OF WHICH THE OFFICER
IS A MEMBER AND HAS BEEN REQUESTED OR DIRECTED TO RESPOND BY A CRISIS
RESPONSE TEAM UNDER SUBDIVISION SIXTEEN OF SECTION 41.03 OF THIS CHAP-
TER;
(III) A CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM WHICH IS PRESENT ON THE SCENE WITH THE
OFFICER AND IS INCAPACITATED OR OTHERWISE UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE A
REQUEST THAT THE OFFICER TAKE CUSTODY OF THE INDIVIDUAL; OR
2. SUCH PERSON IS CONDUCTING THEMSELVES IN A MANNER WHICH IS LIKELY TO
RESULT IN IMMINENT SERIOUS PHYSICAL HARM TO THEMSELVES AS MANIFESTED BY
THREATS OF OR ATTEMPTS AT SUICIDE OR SERIOUS BODILY HARM, AND EITHER:
(I) NO CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE REGION WHERE
THE PERSON IS; OR
(II) THE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM HAS NOT ARRIVED TO THE PLACE WHERE THE
PERSON IS LOCATED, AND TAKING THE PERSON IS NECESSARY TO PREVENT SUCH
PERSON FROM EXPERIENCING SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY OR DEATH.
3. IF A PEACE OFFICER, WHEN ACTING PURSUANT TO SUCH PEACE OFFICER'S
SPECIAL DUTIES, OR A POLICE OFFICER WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE STATE POLICE
OR OF AN AUTHORIZED POLICE DEPARTMENT OR FORCE OR OF A SHERIFF'S DEPART-
MENT COMES UPON AN INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL OR
SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER THIS SECTION HAVE NOT
BEEN MET, THE PROPER CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM SHALL BE NOTIFIED.
§ 11. Section 9.41 of the mental hygiene law, as amended by chapter
843 of the laws of 1980, is amended to read as follows:
§ 9.41 Emergency admissions for immediate observation, care, and treat-
ment; powers of certain peace officers and police officers.
(A) Any peace officer, when acting pursuant to [his] SUCH PEACE OFFI-
CER'S special duties, or A police officer who is a member of the state
police or of an authorized police department or force or of a sheriff's
department may take into custody any person who appears to be [mentally
ill and] EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL OR SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS
IN THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES:
1. SUCH PERSON is conducting [himself] THEMSELVES in a manner which is
likely to result in [serious harm to himself or others. "Likelihood to
result in serious harm" shall mean (1) substantial risk of physical harm
to himself as manifested by threats of or attempts at suicide or serious
bodily harm or other conduct demonstrating that he is dangerous to
himself, or (2) a substantial] AN IMMINENT risk of SERIOUS physical harm
to other persons as manifested by homicidal or other violent behavior by
which others are placed in reasonable fear of serious physical harm.
Such officer may direct the removal of such person or remove [him] SUCH
PERSON to any hospital specified in subdivision (a) of section 9.39 OF
THIS ARTICLE or, COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY PROGRAM SPECIFIED
IN SUBDIVISION (A) OF SECTION 9.40 OF THIS ARTICLE, OR pending [his]
THEIR examination or admission to any such hospital OR COMPREHENSIVE
PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY PROGRAM, temporarily detain any such person in
another safe and comfortable place, in which event, such officer shall
immediately notify:
(I) THE APPROPRIATE LOCAL CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO
PARAGRAPH SIXTEEN OF SUBDIVISION (A) OF SECTION 41.03 OF THIS CHAPTER,
IF ANY, AND the director of community services or, if there be none, the
health officer of the city or county of such action[.];
(II) THE STATE POLICE, DEPARTMENT, OR FORCE OF WHICH THE OFFICER IS A
MEMBER HAS BEEN REQUESTED OR DIRECTED TO RESPOND BY A CRISIS RESPONSE
TEAM AS SET FORTH IN SUBDIVISION SIXTEEN OF SECTION 41.03 OF THIS CHAP-
TER;
S. 2398 10
(III) A CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM WHICH IS PRESENT ON THE SCENE WITH THE
OFFICER IS INCAPACITATED OR OTHERWISE UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE A REQUEST
THAT THE OFFICER TAKE CUSTODY OF THE INDIVIDUAL; OR
2. SUCH PERSON IS CONDUCTING THEMSELVES IN A MANNER WHICH IS LIKELY TO
RESULT IN IMMINENT SERIOUS PHYSICAL HARM TO THEMSELVES AS MANIFESTED BY
THREATS OF OR ATTEMPTS AT SUICIDE OR SERIOUS BODILY HARM, AND EITHER:
(I) NO CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE REGION WHERE
THE PERSON IS; OR
(II) THE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM DID NOT ARRIVE TO THE PLACE WHERE THE
PERSON IS LOCATED, AND TAKING THE PERSON IS NECESSARY TO PREVENT SUCH
PERSON FROM EXPERIENCING SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY OR DEATH.
(B) SUCH OFFICER MAY DIRECT THE REMOVAL OF SUCH PERSON OR REMOVE SUCH
PERSON TO ANY HOSPITAL SPECIFIED IN SUBDIVISION (A) OF SECTION 9.39 OF
THIS ARTICLE OR, PENDING THEIR EXAMINATION OR ADMISSION TO ANY SUCH
HOSPITAL, TEMPORARILY DETAIN ANY SUCH PERSON IN ANOTHER SAFE AND
COMFORTABLE PLACE, IN WHICH EVENT, SUCH OFFICER SHALL IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY
APPROPRIATE EMERGENCY AND CRISIS RESPONSE SERVICES AND THE DIRECTOR OF
COMMUNITY SERVICES OR, IF THERE BE NONE, THE HEALTH OFFICER OF THE CITY
OR COUNTY OF SUCH ACTION.
3. IF A PEACE OFFICER, WHEN ACTING PURSUANT TO SUCH PEACE OFFICER'S
SPECIAL DUTIES, OR A POLICE OFFICER WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE STATE POLICE
OR OF AN AUTHORIZED POLICE DEPARTMENT OR FORCE OR OF A SHERIFF'S DEPART-
MENT COMES UPON AN INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL OR
SUBSTANCE USE CRISIS AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER THIS SECTION HAVE NOT
BEEN MET, THE PROPER CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM SHALL BE NOTIFIED.
§ 12. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall
have become a law; provided, however, that the amendments to subdivision
(a) of section 9.41 of the mental hygiene law made by section ten of
this act shall be subject to the expiration and reversion of such
section pursuant to section 21 of chapter 723 of the laws of 1989, as
amended, when upon such date the provisions of section eleven of this
act shall take effect. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment
and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation
of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
completed on or before such effective date.