NY A09972

Requires the Commissioner of Mental Hygiene, in consultation with the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Department of Health, and Commissioner of Education, to develop course materials on mental health topics for teacher continuing education.

Mandates that continuing teacher and leader education include mental health training at least twice during each five-year registration period, covering mental illness, eating disorders, and behavioral health disorders.

Specifies training must address continuing education courses, programs related to mental health, eating disorders, behavioral health disorders, safe de-escalation of crisis situations, identifying signs and symptoms of mental illness, and evidence-based programs such as mental health first aid.

Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the act.

Takes effect on January 1 following the date the bill becomes law, with rule-making authority effective immediately upon enactment.