Senate Bill S9182

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S9182

SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to directing the
commissioner of the office of addiction services and supports to promul-
gate rules and regulations for providers operating in rural locations

 
PURPOSE:

Directs the commissioner of the office of addiction services and
supports promulgating rules and regulations for providers operating in
rural locations

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 - amends section 19.09 of the mental hygiene law by adding
subdivision (m) which provides that the commissioner shall promulgate
rules and regulations for providers who operate in rural locations that
take into account the extra challenges encountered by such providers,
including but not limited to, increased and additional expenses.
              

Section 2 - sets the effective date

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Currently, OASAS uses a formulary for its reimbursement rates that
differentiates the increased financial needs for facilities located in
NYC in comparison to the rest of the state. This formulary does not take
into account the increased costs required to maintain facilities where
there is a low population density also known as rural locations. Rural
counties have some of the highest rates of persons with substance use
disorder yet, their geographic location makes it difficult for individ-
uals to seek services and for those facilities to stay open. According
to the CDC's quarterly report (April 2022), rural counties including
Monroe, Erie, and Onondaga are experiencing the highest numbers (outside
of NYC) of emergency department visits and hospitalization for opioid
overdoses, and Naloxone administrations by EMS. This bill would provide
the OASAS Commissioner the jurisdiction to promulgate rules and regu-
lations for providers who operate in rural locations taking into account
the additional challenges they face.

This may include increased and additional expenses alleviating some of
the financial concerns of rural providers.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to the State.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have
become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or
repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of
this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
on or before such effective date.