Senate Bill S4990

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S4990

SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to establish parity in reimbursement rates for supportive
stabilization services provided that are substantially equivalent to
crisis stabilization center services

 
PURPOSE:

To establish parity in reimbursement rates for existing stabilization
centers.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 establishes that any service provider who is providing
supportive stabilization services that are equivalent to a crisis
stabilization center shall be compensated the same reimbursement rate
for the first twenty-four hours services are provided.

Section 2 provides that the commissioner of the office of addiction
              

services and supports (OASAS) shall promulgate all rules and regulations
necessary for this implementation.

Section 3 states the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The 22-23 Enacted Budget established a new level of care for Intensive
Crisis Stabilization (ISC) centers under the Office of Mental Health
(OMH) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).  These
centers are not residential programs, but are open 24/7 and treat indi-
viduals for up to 24 hours. Crisis stabilization centers are for indi-
viduals with a known or suspected mental health condition or substance
use disorder to receive observation, evaluation, care, and treatment in
a safe and comfortable environment. They are required to form partner-
ships with behavioral health partners, and make appropriate referrals
and linkages for patients.

All of these services are also offered by existing residential stabili-
zation providers who practice a codified LOC as written under section
820 of the Mental Hygiene law.

However, the rates of reimbursement for the new ISC centers are four
times higher than existing residential stabilization providers despite
their numerous parallels.

After 24 hours the existing rate of reimbursement may still be utilized,
but we must provide equity for reimbursement when the same level of care
is being administered.

Reimbursement parity will provide much needed support and ensure that
adequate care is more widely available to the people that need it.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2023-2024: S5367 - Died in Mental Health

2021-2022: S9568 Died in Rules

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.