NY S08326

Establishes an independent developmental disability ombudsman program within the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities to assist individuals with developmental disabilities in accessing services and preserving their rights.

Ombudsman program must operate a toll-free hotline, interactive website, and provide in-person, telephone, and email access to staff and volunteers.

Program duties include investigating and resolving complaints, assisting with service access paperwork, representing individuals in appeals regarding adverse benefit determinations, tracking problems encountered by individuals, and educating individuals about their rights.

All notices and materials from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, service providers, and health homes must include the ombudsman program's contact information.

Commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities must conduct a competitive request for proposal process limited to domestic not-for-profit corporations not currently receiving funding from the office or billing Medicaid, with preference given to applicants with advocacy experience, call center operations, or case tracking experience.