BILL NUMBER:  S1344

 TITLE OF BILL :

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to the discharge
and release of patients into the community


 PURPOSE :

To allow certified psychiatric nurse practitioners the ability to
refer housing services to patients.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section One of the bill amends paragraph 2 of subdivision (g) of
section 29.15 of the mental hygiene law, as amended by chapter 433 of
the laws of 1976 to read that a specific recommendation made by either
the certified psychologist or a certified nurse practitioner of the
type of residence in which the patient is to live and a listing of the
services available to the patient in such residence.

 EXISTING LAW :

New Bill.

              

 JUSTIFICATION :

Currently, there is confusion as to whether or not certified
psychiatric nurse practitioners have the ability to refer patients to
residences and other housing services. This confusion brings a
disruption to the quality of service and inconsistent level of care
for patients.

It is only right that certified psychiatric nurse practitioners, who
already have the ability to prescribe medication, have the ability to
refer housing services.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

2006: S.5935 Died in Senate Rules Committee
2007-2008:  Died in Mental Health Committee

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

None or negligible.

 LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

None or negligible.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it
shall have become law.