BILL NUMBER: S1866

SPONSOR: BROUK
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to  amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to adding fetal
alcohol spectrum disorders  to the definition of developmental disabili-
ty

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This bill would allow for any variation of fetal alcohol spectrum disor-
ders to be included within the definition of developmental disabilities
so people with this disorder can receive state funded services and aid.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section one - adds in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders including fetal
alcohol syndrome, partial fetal alcohol syndrome (pFAS), and alcohol-re-
lated neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) into the developmental disabil-
ity definitions.

              

Section two - sets forth the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

FASD is a pressing public health problem with experts estimating that it
affects just as many people as autism, if not more. According to the
National Institutes of Health, 1 to 5 percent of Americans may have
FASD, making the condition more prevalent than previously recognized.
And yet, it is often missed. One reason is the misguided shame of having
borne a child with FASD.

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is the
system of care in NYS responsible for coordinating services for New
Yorkers with developmental disabilities. OPWDD provides a range of
services including the following: family support, recreation and social-
ization, individual support, employment assistance, and housing assist-
ance. Many individuals with FASD need extra support to learn the skills
to live independently. Adding FASD into the developmental disability
definition allows for OPWDD to now fund and assist those living with
FASD.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2021-22: S7672 passed Senate. S7672/A9096 referred to ways and means.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR $TATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

TBD.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.