NY A03253

Prohibits the commissioner from limiting the number of persons with serious mental illness residing in adult homes that meet specific qualifying criteria

Qualifying adult homes must be organized as not-for-profit corporations and operated by organizations that also provide a continuum of housing services, including supportive and independent housing

Requires qualifying adult homes to periodically assess residents to ensure they are living in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs

Mandates that qualifying facilities actively address residents' needs by fostering independent living skills, ensuring access to quality mental health services, encouraging community involvement, and maintaining a homelike atmosphere

Defines "persons with serious mental illness" as individuals with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis whose severity and duration results in substantial functional disability, based on criteria established by the commissioner of mental health