NY A00424

Establishes a Family Bill of Rights and Privileges for qualified personal representatives (spouses, parents, adult children, adult siblings, legal guardians, or personal representatives) of individuals with developmental disabilities receiving services from covered providers.

Grants qualified personal representatives rights including participation in care plan development, unannounced facility visits, access to health and safety information, financial transparency, staffing change notifications, and access to safety plans and food menus.

Requires qualified personal representatives to receive written information in plain language about the system of care, applicable laws and regulations, and procedures to challenge decisions affecting the individual.

Allows individuals receiving services who are competent to do so to opt out of specific rights or privileges for their qualified personal representatives, with written documentation and statement of reasons required.

Directs the Commissioner to post the bill of rights on the Office website, provide copies in English and the six most commonly spoken languages in the state, establish a public education program, and adopt necessary rules and regulations for implementation.