BILL NUMBER: S7776

SPONSOR: SERRANO
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to prohibiting
certain suicide prevention and mental health services hotlines from
being automated

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

Relates to prohibiting certain suicide prevention and mental health
services hot lines from being automated.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1. Section 7.09 of the mental hygiene law is amended by adding a
new subdivision (1) to read as follows:

(1) The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations prohibiting
any suicide prevention or mental health .services hotline operated or
sponsored by the state from being automated.
              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Suicide is complicated and sometimes hard to predict, but health experts
say it can be preventable. The state does provide services in hopes that
people will use them if they, or someone they know, are having a crisis.

But for many people, the thought of calling is overbearing even more so
to call and hear an automated voice on the other end of the line can be
discouraging. Having an automated voice is pick up the phone can exas-
perate an already tenuous situation by making an individual who is
already doubting their worth, feel even worse by being forced to speak-
ing to an automated voice rather than speak with an individual who can
address their needs.

This bill seeks to help encourage people who may need these services by
fostering human interaction as the first line of defense In helping to
combat suicide and assist with mental health services.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2021-22 A.6005 Referred to Mental Health

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law. 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