NY S03847

Requires the Commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities to promulgate regulations mandating criminal history reports for all prospective employees and volunteers who will have regular direct patient contact.

Authorizes the denial or disapproval of employment or volunteer applications for positions involving regular direct patient contact based on criminal convictions that the Commissioner determines would make the applicant unfit for employment.

Amends Executive Law Section 837 to exempt criminal history reports requested under Mental Hygiene Law Section 13.19 from fees, consistent with existing exemptions for flight instruction background checks.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.