NY S08769

Amends Section 837-z of the executive law to modify confidentiality rules for law enforcement peer support counseling programs, which provide counseling services from trained peer support specialists to police officers

Restricts peer support specialists from disclosing communications to non-parties, and restricts peer support participants from disclosing communications to anyone employed by the same law enforcement agency who was not a party to the session

Removes confidentiality protections when communications contain threats of suicide, self-harm, or bodily harm to others, but limits disclosure to persons reasonably positioned to prevent or mitigate such harm

Clarifies that confidentiality does not override mandatory reporting requirements, including suspected child abuse under Social Services Law section 413, extreme risk protection order filings, or court orders

Requires the division to identify and approve training courses meeting minimum standards for peer support specialists, and mandates written notice to participants about confidentiality requirements and exceptions before initial counseling sessions