NY A08760

Establishes a nine-member Behavioral Health Services for Veterans Advisory Board appointed by the Governor, Senate Temporary President, Assembly Speaker, and minority leaders of both chambers to study adequacy of existing behavioral health services for veterans and recommend improvements by October 1, 2009

Requires the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to establish access to behavioral health services for veterans in every county, providing inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment including pharmacotherapy for alcohol, opioid, and chemical dependence

Mandates staff providing behavioral health services to veterans receive training in veterans' specific needs regarding chemical dependencies and substance abuse disorders

Requires the Office to provide individual care coordinators, screening for post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, suicide risk assessment, transportation services, and coordination with the Veterans Administration and other agencies

Takes effect immediately, with the advisory board provisions effective April 1, 2010