NY A01109

Establishes peer crisis diversion homes as temporary, home-like residences providing crisis diversion services to adults experiencing behavioral health crises who do not require hospitalization.

Requires the Commissioner of Mental Health to establish or contract for at least six peer crisis diversion homes within one year of enactment, with three located in urban settings and three in rural communities.

Mandates peer crisis diversion homes be governed and controlled by current or former recipients of mental health services, staffed 24 hours daily by two or more peer support specialists, and employ a full-time licensed clinician and part-time psychiatric consultant.

Requires peer support specialists to have personally experienced urgent behavioral health needs and complete training in de-escalation techniques, cultural competency, race relations, recovery process, and substance abuse.

Establishes that homes shall provide short-term stays, serve residents regardless of income, offer peer support and therapeutic services, and connect residents to long-term care providers upon discharge.