NY A00050

Establishes a nine-member Behavioral Health Services for Veterans Advisory Board appointed by the Governor, legislative leaders, and minority leaders to study the adequacy of existing behavioral health services for veterans and report findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by October 1, 2012.

Requires the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to establish access to behavioral health services for veterans in every county statewide, including inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment for alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, and other substance abuse disorders.

Mandates staff training in veterans' specific needs regarding chemical dependencies and substance abuse, and requires individual care coordinators for each veteran seeking services.

Specifies additional required services including screening for post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, depression and suicide risk, agency networking with the Veterans Administration, transportation, clinical evaluation, and patient care coordination.

Takes effect immediately for the advisory board establishment (April 1, 2011) and for the behavioral health services requirements.