NY A07258

Prohibits state agencies from reducing the mental health census of adult homes unless specific conditions are met, including ensuring residents with serious mental illness can choose integrated settings appropriate to their needs and receive objective information about housing options.

Defines "transitional adult home" as a facility with more than 80 licensed beds and at least 25 percent residents with serious mental illness, excluding facilities operating 55 percent or more of capacity as assisted living program beds.

Requires department certification that appropriate alternative housing and supportive services are available before discharging adult home residents into community-based settings in their preferred location.

Establishes a workgroup co-chaired by the commissioners of health and mental health to provide recommendations by October 1, 2013, addressing informed choice, regulatory scope, compliance timeframes, transition costs, and long-term quality improvement for adult home residents.

Suspends administrative actions to reduce mental health census at assisted living program facilities for 120 days after the workgroup report submission, and permits transitional adult homes to amend compliance plans by December 1, 2013, based on workgroup recommendations.