NY A08989

Establishes a 9-member mental health housing evaluation task force for aging in place within the office of mental health to study barriers and solutions for aging in community-based mental health housing programs.

Task force shall make recommendations on removing barriers to adequate care, policy/regulatory changes to enable mental and medical care access, ADA compliance, staff training for elderly residents, and transportation assistance to medical appointments.

Task force membership includes 3 appointees by the governor, 2 by the assembly speaker, 2 by the senate temporary president, 1 by the senate minority leader, and 1 by the assembly minority leader, with required representation from mental health housing residents, healthcare professionals, mental health professionals, and a program director.

Task force shall submit a report of findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature within 12 months of the act becoming law, meeting at least three times as needed.

Act takes effect immediately and expires 30 days after the report is submitted to the legislature.