NY A09743

Amends Mental Hygiene Law to require the Commissioner to report on short-term and intensive crisis respite programs to the Governor, Assembly Speaker, and Senate President within one year of the law's effective date.

Defines "short term crisis respite" as residential care for individuals experiencing mental health challenges at risk of symptom escalation who do not pose imminent safety risks.

Defines "intensive crisis respite" as short-term residential care for individuals facing behavioral health crises at imminent risk of losing functional abilities with potential safety concerns.

Requires the report to include the number of programs per county, individuals served monthly, reasons for admission, mental health diagnoses, prevalence of referral settings, and the percentage of individuals diverted from inpatient or emergency room care for at least 30 days post-discharge.

Directs the report to identify staff types and training requirements for these programs and specify areas of the state where new programs or service expansions are needed.