NY S04346

Establishes a professional credentialing pilot program for direct support professionals employed by state-operated facilities and not-for-profit providers licensed by the Office of Mental Health, with participants geographically dispersed across the state, prioritizing regions with greatest need.

Pilot program shall focus on promoting direct support work as a career with advancement opportunities, developing advanced skills and competencies, promoting health and safety of people served, and enhancing workforce recruitment and retention through credentialing education programs and comprehensive training including online, mentorships, and support groups.

Creates an advisory council of 22 members (including the commissioner as chair) appointed by the commissioner, senate temporary president, and assembly speaker, consisting of credential technical report advisors, workforce transformation regional center representatives, direct support professionals, and self-advocates to oversee and advise on pilot program implementation.

Requires the Office of Mental Health to issue a report by November 15, 2024 to the governor and legislative leaders detailing pilot program progress, recruitment and retention rates, number of credentialed professionals, quality improvements, wage correlation impacts, barriers encountered, and recommendations for statewide implementation.

Takes effect 180 days after becoming law, with authorization for agencies to adopt necessary rules and regulations immediately upon enactment.