NY A03974

Creates the Office of the Ombudsperson for Behavioral Health Access within the Department of Mental Hygiene to help New Yorkers access mental health and substance use disorder care

Requires the Governor to designate the ombudsperson by January 1, 2026, who will serve as a neutral party assisting consumers (insured, uninsured, public or private coverage) and healthcare providers with behavioral health access issues

Grants the office full operational independence with autonomous control over budget, personnel, and operations, while receiving limited administrative support from the Department of Mental Hygiene for payroll, benefits, and facilities

Directs the ombudsperson to track and report potential violations of state or federal behavioral health coverage rules to appropriate regulatory agencies, including issues related to treatment limitations

Mandates annual reports to the Governor, Commissioner of Financial Services, and relevant Senate committees by November 1st each year, detailing actions taken without disclosing personally identifying information