BILL NUMBER: S7650

SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to establishing an
intensive addiction and medical services integrated services pilot
program; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration
thereof

 
PURPOSE:

This bill would establish an intensive addiction recovery and medical
integrated services demonstration program for individuals who have
significant addiction and medical issues

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: amends the mental hygiene law by adding section 19.18-e to
create a pilot program to support two three-year demonstration programs
that provide intensive addiction and medical services integrated
services. One of the demonstration programs shall be located in a rural
              

area and one shall be located in an urban setting.  Services shall
include but not be limited to intensive physical health care services
(such as assistance with ADLs, wound care, dialysis, physical therapy
and occupational therapy), addiction counseling for both the individuals
and their families, mental health counseling, peer supports, transporta-
tion assistance, and any other recovery support services that may be
identified. Such services shall be primarily provided in an OASAS-certi-
fied treatment facility, in the community, or in the individual's home,
as clinically and socially necessitated. Funding may also be used to
build or modify an existing facility.

Section 2: requires the commissioner to provide a written evaluation no
later than January first, two thousand twenty-four, and annually there-
after, which, at minimum, addresses the overall effectiveness of the
program, identifies best practices for addiction recovery and medical
integrated services provided, suggests any additional support services
that may be appropriate, and addresses whether continuation or expansion
of such program is recommended.

Section 3: establishes the effective date

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The intensive addiction and medical integrated services program is an
initiative designed to support individuals suffering from both medical
conditions and substance use disorders by developing models that remove
barriers to accessing the level of care needed. Current addiction treat-
ment centers do not have the ability to treat individuals with medical
conditions. This demonstration program would create a person-centered
treatment model that assists individuals with both sets of diagnoses and
ensures each individual receives a level of care appropriate to them.
Services encompassed by such a person-centered treatment model may
include:

*Medical Care;
*Peer Support;
*Family Counseling/Family Support;
*Mental Health Counseling;
*Substance Use Disorder Treatment;
*Medication Assisted Recovery;
*Regular employment transportation;
*Education transportation, such as trade school, 2- or 4-year degree
programs, or apprenticeships;
*Shopping for healthy food, clothing, and other essential items;
*Trips to Mutual Aid Meetings Narcotics Anonymous/Alcoholics Anonymous;
*Trips to court or drug court, or court-related appointments (probation
officer, social worker, etc.);
*Trips that reduce social isolation, such as social outings with others
engaged in sober living; and
*Trips to local recovery community outreach centers or other community-
based supports.

Because this model takes a wholistic approach, the program will help
individuals improve their situation by providing them with hope. The
current model is not capable of meeting the medical needs of these indi-
viduals, but the kinds of service offered through the demonstration
program will help someone who would otherwise be denied treatment have
the ability to enter treatment, if they choose. The primary purpose of
this program is to provide services which are not currently offered to
one of the most vulnerable populations. Giving people the support they
need to be healthier by providing integrated services will pay back
dividends in increased productivity, earning potential, and a decrease
in New York's overdose fatality rate.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2025.