NY A06007

Establishes a 12-member Rural Suicide Prevention Council under the Office of Mental Hygiene, with members appointed by the Commissioner of Mental Hygiene (2), Commissioner of Health (2), Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets (2), Speaker of the Assembly (2), Temporary President of the Senate (2), Minority Leader of the Assembly (1), and Minority Leader of the Senate (1).

Council membership may include representatives from local mental hygiene directors, psychiatric and psychological practitioners, substance use and mental health professionals with rural experience, public health experts, and individuals with expertise in financial analysis and farmer support services.

Council duties include examining causes of rural suicides and suicide attempts (including among farmers and agricultural workers), identifying policies and resources to reduce rural suicide, recommending service coordination improvements, and recommending funding initiatives for rural mental health and suicide prevention services.

Requires the council to meet at least twice annually and submit its first report by January 1, 2021, then biennially thereafter, with recommendations for policies, legislation, and funding to implement the council's findings.

Council members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses; the act takes effect 90 days after becoming law.