NY S07481

Amends Mental Hygiene Law sections 31.08 and 32.14 to clarify that general hospitals providing mental health or developmental disability services can meet compliance requirements through accreditation by The Joint Commission or other Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-approved accrediting organizations.

Allows the commissioner to exempt accredited general hospitals and service providers from annual inspection and visitation requirements if they have a history of compliance, good quality care records, and submit accreditation survey reports within seven days of issuance.

Requires accrediting organizations to evaluate any additional minimal operational standards established by the commissioner beyond their own standards as part of the accreditation survey.

Mandates that hospitals and service providers immediately notify the commissioner if they receive notice that accreditation will not be renewed, terminated, or if they face termination from Medicare or Medicaid participation due to non-compliance or deficiencies jeopardizing patient health and safety.

Preserves the commissioner's authority to conduct inspections and visitations at any time and to exercise full licensing and certification enforcement authority over accredited facilities.