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NY S04871

Bill

Status

Engrossed

6/10/2025

Primary Sponsor

Patricia Fahy

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2025-2026 General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Expands the independent developmental disability ombudsperson program to require a toll-free telephone hotline, interactive website, and in-person, telephone, and email access to program staff or volunteers

  • Adds duties for the program including assisting individuals with paperwork and documentation needed to access developmental disability services, and helping file, prepare, and represent individuals in appeals concerning adverse benefit determinations

  • Requires the program to collect, track, and quantify problems and inquiries encountered by individuals and to educate them on their rights and responsibilities regarding service access

  • Limits eligibility for operating the program to domestic not-for-profit corporations that do not currently receive OPWDD funding, operate care coordination organizations, or bill Medicaid for medical or health care services

  • Takes effect 180 days after becoming law and applies to all policies and contracts issued, renewed, modified, altered, or amended on or after that date

Legislative Description

Directs the independent developmental disability ombudsperson program to establish a service delivery structure based in New York state that includes a toll-free telephone hotline, an interactive website, and availability of in-person, telephone and email access to ombudsperson program staff or volunteers; to provide assistance for navigating and completing processes; to assist individuals in filing and preparing appeals; to assist individuals with any problems encountered; and to educate individuals on their rights and responsibilities with respect to access to services provided by the office for people with developmental disabilities and care coordination provided by health homes serving individuals with developmental disabilities or services provided by other providers.

Last Action

PRINT NUMBER 4871B

2/20/2026

Committee Referrals

Disabilities1/7/2026
People with Disabilities6/10/2025
Finance3/4/2025
Disabilities2/13/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available