NY A01441

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 throughout the state with focus on regions of greatest need.

Requires the pilot program to advance initiatives that promote direct support work as a career with advancement opportunities, professionalize the field through advanced skills development, promote health and safety of individuals being served, and enhance workforce recruitment and retention.

Includes a credentialing and education program utilizing best practices and competency standards, plus a comprehensive training program that may include online training, mentorships, and support groups based on national direct support professional standards.

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

Requires the Office of Mental Health to submit a report by November 15, 2026 to the governor and legislature detailing recruitment and retention rates, number of credentialed professionals, quality improvements, wage correlation analysis, identified barriers, and recommendations for statewide program expansion.