NY A09679

Amends mental hygiene law to establish a minimum of two regional peer support services programs for veterans staffed by certified peer counselors with military service experience.

Defines certified peer counselors as individuals with personal mental health or substance abuse recovery experience who have served in active U.S. military/naval service and received an honorable (or better) discharge, or are in reserve components.

Peer support services cover mental illness including post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and substance abuse counseling, information and referral services, family support, and specialized services for female veterans.

Requires the Commissioner of Mental Hygiene, Commissioner of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, and State Director of Veterans' Affairs to jointly establish minimum qualifications and credentialing procedures for certified peer counselors, with authority to suspend or revoke credentials.

Takes effect sixty days after enactment; authorizes immediate rulemaking by the state to implement the program.