NY S08967

Amends the Mental Hygiene Law to allow direct descendants of patients deceased for 50 years or longer to access the deceased patient's clinical records as "qualified persons"

Requires the Commissioner of Mental Health to establish rules and regulations defining the process and standard of evidence for individuals to prove direct descent from a former patient or client

Clarifies that facilities are not required to retain clinical records indefinitely or for any specific length of time in anticipation of access requests by qualifying descendants

Takes effect immediately upon enactment