NY S02611

Amends Social Services Law Section 22 to allow the Department of Family Assistance to designate independent fair hearing officers, in addition to staff members, to conduct appeals and fair hearings.

Permits fair hearings to be conducted by conference telephone, video conference equipment, or similar communications systems that allow all participating persons to hear each other simultaneously.

Extends the provisions to fair hearings conducted under Section 422 of the Social Services Law and to hearings concerning denial, suspension, or revocation of permits, certificates, or licenses.

Takes effect immediately, with authority for the commissioner to promulgate necessary rules and regulations before the act becomes law.