Golden: Bill to Provide Chance for Safe and Acceptable Residences for NY Mentally Ill Passes Senate

S4838 would insure that mental health patients would only move from adult homes if there are safe and appropriate community placements

Albany, NY – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) issued the following statement, following today’s Senate’s passage of S4838, a bill which would insure that safe and appropriate community housing options are available before individuals with mental illnesses are moved from adult homes. The State Department of Health and the Department of Mental Hygiene has promulgated regulations requiring adult homes to reduce their census of mental health patients to 25% of the total residents in the homes. The regulations produced concern among providers of services and the general public.

Senator Golden said: “Today I am proud to join with my colleagues and once again advocate for a system which takes into account the basic needs of those who are suffering from mental health illnesses. This legislation implements sensible safeguards and studies to ensure that while we continue to revamp Adult Care, we do so without seriously impacting those in most need of care. I want to thank Senator Hannon for sponsoring this legislation, and I call on my colleagues in the Assembly and the Governor to enact this vital piece of legislation.”

Golden has long been a champion of providing adequate resources to provide for human needs for those in adult homes. In March, Senator Golden joined his colleagues in the Senate to enact these changes in the Budget. While they were unable to reach a deal with the Governor and the Assembly, this legislation will address specific concerned raised by many. To read more about the legislation, visit http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S4838-2013.