NY A07721

Commissioner of Mental Health must establish a community housing wait list for individuals with documented mental illness seeking housing and related services through the Office of Mental Health.

Housing services providers, referring agencies and institutions, and community-based agencies must report every sixty days to the Office with names and information of persons referred to, applying for, admitted to, or denied admission to housing programs.

Commissioner must establish policies, procedures, and electronic submission methods to manage the wait list while maintaining confidentiality and providing individuals with written copies of their personal information on file.

Commissioner must submit quarterly reports to the Governor and relevant legislative committees beginning January 1, 2016, including wait list numbers by county, admission data, denial rates, vacancy rates, and actions taken to reduce wait times.

Act takes effect 120 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for the Commissioner to implement necessary rules and regulations.