NY State Senate Bill 2025-S7377B

Current Bill Status - In Senate Committee Finance Committee

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

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Actions

View Actions

Date of Action	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
May 28, 2025	print number 7377b
May 28, 2025	amend (t) and recommit to finance
May 21, 2025	reported and committed to finance
Apr 17, 2025	print number 7377a
Apr 17, 2025	amend and recommit to mental health
Apr 11, 2025	referred to mental health

Votes

- May 21, 2025 - Mental Health Committee Vote
  S7377B
  
  Aye
  
  6
  
  Nay
  
  0
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  1
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  
  0
  - - Mental Health Committee Vote: May 21, 2025
      
      aye (6)
      
      Brouk
      
      Bynoe
      
      Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
      
      Fernandez
      
      Rivera
      
      Webb
      
      aye wr (1)
      
      Palumbo

Bill Amendments

Original

B (Active)

2025-S7377 - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A4878
Current Committee:: Senate Finance
Law Section:: Mental Hygiene Law
Laws Affected:: Add §7.49, Ment Hyg L

2025-S7377 - Summary

Relates to the establishment of mental health clubhouses pursuant to a statewide implementation plan developed by the office of mental health.

2025-S7377 - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S7377

SPONSOR: BROUK
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the establishment
of mental health clubhouses

 
PURPOSE:

To establish a statewide network of mental health clubhouses that
provide structured, community-based support services for individuals
living with serious mental illness. The bill aims to enhance mental
health recovery through peer-led engagement, employment and housing
assistance, and crisis intervention.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Adds a new Article 29-L to the Public Health Law to establish
a framework for mental health clubhouses-community-based rehabilitative
centers designed to support individuals with serious mental illness
through structured, peer-led services. Key provisions include:

§ 2999-nn (Definitions):  Defines "mental health clubhouse" as a facili-
ty, accredited or seeking accreditation, that provides psychosocial
rehabilitation, peer-led engagement, and community-based support
services.

§ 2999-oo (Establishment):  Mandates statewide development of clubhous-
es, ensuring accessibility via public transportation and virtual
programming in rural areas.  Requires the Department of Health and the
Office of Mental Health to develop a statewide implementation plan with-
in one year of enactment.

§ 2999-pp (Operational Standards and Core Services):  Requires volun-
tary, no-cost membership for individuals with a history of serious
mental illness. Clubhouses must obtain accreditation within three years
and offer core services, including:

1. Employment and workforce development

2. Housing support and homelessness prevention

3. Peer-led crisis intervention and suicide prevention

4. Social and recreational programming

§ 2999-qq (Oversight, Compliance, and Reporting): Requires biennial
audits and regular reporting on:

1. Membership statistics and service utilization

2. Employment and housing outcomes

3. Crisis intervention data

 
JUSTIFICATION:


New York is experiencing a growing mental health crisis, with many indi-
viduals struggling to access consistent, community-based support.
People with serious mental illness often face barriers to employment,
housing, and long-term recovery services. Current public health systems
rely heavily on crisis intervention and institutional care, which are
costly and less effective for long-term rehabilitation.

Mental health clubhouses offer a proven, cost-effective model for
psychosocial rehabilitation that emphasizes recovery, empowerment, and
social reintegration. Research has shown:

- Clubhouse participation can reduce hospitalization rates, improve
employment outcomes, and lead to an estimated $11,000 in annual govern-
ment savings per participant.

- Members report improved quality of life, reduced psychiatric symptoms,
and lower stigma.

- Successful models, such as Fountain House in New York City, demon-
strate that combining peer support with structured services yields long-
term recovery outcomes.

This bill leverages the evidence-based clubhouse model to expand access
statewide, particularly in underserved and rural communities, through
both physical and virtual programming. It aligns with the state's goals
of promoting recovery-oriented care and reducing reliance on emergency
and institutional services.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill; no prior legislative history.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:;
This act shall take effect immediately.

2025-S7377 - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   7377
 
                        2025-2026 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                              April 11, 2025
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sen.  BROUK  -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on Mental Health
 
 AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to the  establishment
   of mental health clubhouses
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. The public health law is amended by adding  a  new  article
 29-L to read as follows:
                               ARTICLE 29-L
                         MENTAL HEALTH CLUBHOUSES
 SECTION 2999-NN. DEFINITIONS.
         2999-OO. MENTAL HEALTH CLUBHOUSES; ESTABLISHMENT.
         2999-PP. OPERATIONAL STANDARDS AND CORE SERVICES.
         2999-QQ. OVERSIGHT, COMPLIANCE, AND REPORTING.
   § 2999-NN. DEFINITIONS.  FOR  THE  PURPOSES  OF THIS ARTICLE, THE TERM
 "MENTAL HEALTH CLUBHOUSE" OR "CLUBHOUSE" MEANS A FACILITY THAT:
   1. IS ACCREDITED OR IS IN THE PROCESS OF  BECOMING  ACCREDITED,  BY  A
 RECOGNIZED BODY OR BODIES APPROVED BY THE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH;
   2. ADDRESSES PSYCHOSOCIAL DEFICITS AND SOCIAL DRIVERS OF HEALTH;
   3.  USES  A  THERAPEUTIC  APPROACH  THAT  EMPHASIZES  PURPOSEFUL WORK,
 ENGAGEMENT, RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT, AND MUTUAL SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH
 SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS;
   4. USES BLENDED LEADERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL  MENTAL  HEALTH  STAFF  AND
 INDIVIDUALS  WITH  LIVED EXPERIENCE TO CREATE AND MANAGE THE THERAPEUTIC
 COMMUNITY AND ITS SERVICES IN A NONCLINICAL SETTING;
   5. OFFERS MEMBERS A COMMUNITY-BASED  REHABILITATIVE  ENVIRONMENT  THAT
 BOTH  ADDRESSES  OFTEN  UNMET  PSYCHOSOCIAL  NEEDS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH
 SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS AND PROVIDES STRUCTURES  THAT  OFFER  SUPPORT  IN
 NATURAL, COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTS;
   6.  OFFERS  SUPPORT  SERVICES  FOR EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE,
 HOUSING, AND MORE TO BROADLY ADDRESS HEALTH-RELATED SOCIAL CARE NEEDS;
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD08603-04-5

 S. 7377                             2
 
   7. IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE CONTINUUM OF CARE AND WORKS  IN  TANDEM
 WITH OTHER MEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES;
   8. RELIES ON THE RESTORATIVE POWER OF WORK AND WORK-MEDIATED RELATION-
 SHIPS  TO  BUILD A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH AND INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT
 FOR MEMBERS;
   9. EMPHASIZES STRENGTHS-BASED TEAMWORK AND OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE
 TO OPERATIONS THROUGH A WORK-ORDERED DAY; AND
   10. OFFERS NATURALISTIC SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY-BASED RECREATIONAL OPPOR-
 TUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE TO A MEMBER'S PATH AND SUCCESS IN RECOVERY.
   § 2999-OO. MENTAL  HEALTH  CLUBHOUSES;  ESTABLISHMENT.  1.  CLUBHOUSES
 SHALL  BE  ESTABLISHED WITHIN REASONABLE PROXIMITY TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTA-
 TION.  IN RURAL AREAS, VIRTUAL CLUBHOUSE  PROGRAMMING  SHALL  BE  IMPLE-
 MENTED TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY.
   2.  THE  DEPARTMENT  AND  THE  OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH SHALL DEVELOP A
 STATEWIDE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN THROUGH TECHNICAL ADVISING  AND  CONSULTA-
 TION  WITH  ESTABLISHED  CLUBHOUSES  FOR  THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE
 WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ARTICLE.
   § 2999-PP. OPERATIONAL STANDARDS AND CORE SERVICES. 1.  MEMBERSHIP  OF
 CLUBHOUSES  SHALL BE VOLUNTARY, FREE OF COST, AND OPEN TO ANY INDIVIDUAL
 WITH A HISTORY OF SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS.
   2. CLUBHOUSES SHALL RECEIVE ACCREDITATION OR  BE  IN  THE  PROCESS  OF
 BECOMING  ACCREDITED  WITHIN  THE  FIRST  THREE  YEARS OF OPERATION BY A
 RECOGNIZED BODY.
   § 2999-QQ. OVERSIGHT, COMPLIANCE, AND  REPORTING.  1.  EACH  CLUBHOUSE
 SHALL  SUBMIT A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT AND THE OFFICE OF
 MENTAL HEALTH DETAILING:
   (A) CLUBHOUSE ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS AND DAILY SERVICE  UTILIZA-
 TION;
   (B) EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENTS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES;
   (C) HOUSING PLACEMENTS AND HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION EFFORTS; AND
   (D) CRISIS INTERVENTION CASES AND EMERGENCY RESPONSES.
   2.  THE  DEPARTMENT SHALL CONDUCT BIENNIAL AUDITS OF ALL CLUBHOUSES TO
 ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH STATE REGULATIONS.
   3. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL, IN CONSULTATION WITH  CLUBHOUSES,  PROVIDE  A
 BIENNIAL  REPORT  DETAILING  OUTCOME  MEASUREMENTS  TO THE GOVERNOR, THE
 TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, AND  THE  SPEAKER  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY,
 INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
   (A) EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES FOR CLIENTS;
   (B) HOUSING OUTCOMES FOR CLIENTS;
   (C)  AN  ESTIMATE OF FISCAL SAVINGS OR LOSSES INCURRED THROUGH USE AND
 FUNDING OF CLUBHOUSES; AND
   (D) COMPREHENSIVE NEEDS ASSESSMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
   § 2. This act shall take effect immediately, and shall apply to mental
 health clubhouses established on or after January 1, 2026.

co-Sponsors

2025-S7377A - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A4878
Current Committee:: Senate Finance
Law Section:: Mental Hygiene Law
Laws Affected:: Add §7.49, Ment Hyg L

2025-S7377A - Summary

Relates to the establishment of mental health clubhouses pursuant to a statewide implementation plan developed by the office of mental health.

2025-S7377A - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S7377A

SPONSOR: BROUK
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the establishment
of mental health clubhouses

 
PURPOSE:

This bill establishes a statewide network of mental health clubhouses to
provide structured, community-based support services for individuals
living with serious mental illness. The bill aims to enhance mental
health recovery through peer-led engagement, employment assistance,
housing support, and crisis intervention.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Adds Article 29-L to the Public Health Law to establish
guidelines for the creation, operation, and oversight of mental health
clubhouses. The article includes the following provisions:

* 2999-nn (Definitions): Defines key terms including "mental health
clubhouse," "membership," "community-based rehabilitative environment,"
"accreditation," and other relevant terms.

*Mental health club-house: A facility accredited or in the process of
accreditation, providing psychosocial rehabilitation, structured
support, and peer-led services to individuals with serious mental
illness.

*Membership: Participation is voluntary, free of charge, and open to
individuals with a history of serious mental illness. Members actively
engage in clubhouse operations and benefit from available services.

*Employment Assistance & Workforce Development: Clubhouses provide
on-site job training, career counseling, and collaboration with local
employers to ensure workforce reintegration.

*Housing Assistance & Homelessness Prevention: Members receive guidance
in securing stable housing, applying for rental assistance, and connect-
ing with emergency shelter services.

*Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention: Clubhouses implement crisis
response programs, peer support services, and suicide prevention strate-
gies, ensuring rapid access to emergency mental health support.

*Social & Community Integration: Clubhouses offer structured social and
recreational activities, encouraging peer mentorship and fostering
community engagement.

§ 2999-00 (Mental Health Clubhouses; Establishment):

*Requires the statewide establishment of clubhouses, prioritizing acces-
sibility via public transportation.

*In rural areas, mandates the implementation of virtual clubhouse
programming.

*The Department of Health and the Office of Mental Health must develop a
statewide implementation plan within one year of the bill's enactment.

*§ 2999-pp (Operational Standards and Core Services):

*Clubhouses must obtain accreditation or be in the process of accredi-
tation within three years of operation.

*Membership is voluntary and free of cost for all eligible individuals.

*Clubhouses must offer core services, including:

-Employment support, vocational training, and partnerships with local
businesses.

-Housing placement assistance, rental aid, and homelessness prevention.

*Peer-led crisis intervention, overdose prevention, and emergency
response coordination.

*Social and recreational activities, providing members with structured
daily engagement opportunities.

§ 2999-qq (Oversight, Compliance, and Reporting):

*Requires clubhouses to submit comprehensive reports detailing:

- Active membership statistics and daily service utilization.

- Employment placements and workforce outcomes.

- Housing placements and homelessness prevention efforts.

- Crisis intervention cases and emergency responses.

*Mandates biennial audits to ensure compliance with state regulations.

*Establishes performance metrics to evaluate service effectiveness.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

New York is facing an escalating mental health crisis, with a growing
population of individuals experiencing persistent mental health chal-
lenges. Many individuals with serious mental illness struggle to access
the necessary resources to secure stable employment, housing, and long-
term care. Current public health systems often fall short in offering
comprehensive, community-based rehabilitation, leading to increased
rates of hospitalization, homelessness, and incarceration.  Mental
health clubhouses provide an evidence-based, peer-supported model that
fosters personal growth, social reintegration, and economic stability.
Research indicates that these programs reduce hospitalization rates,
improve employment outcomes, and generate substantial government
savings. A recent study reported a 21% reduction in Medicaid costs among
individuals engaged in clubhouse programs compared to similar popu-
lations receiving traditional care.

Economic modeling suggests that clubhouses generate approximately
$11,000 in government savings per participant annually, reducing the
financial burden on state-funded mental health services.  Additionally,
randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that clubhouse membership
improves quality of life, reduces psychiatric symptoms, enhances self-
esteem, and decreases internalized stigma.  Clubhouse participation is
also associated with lower rates of severe psychiatric episodes and
emergency room utilization, significantly decreasing overall healthcare
expenditures. Examples of successful clubhouse models, such as those
operated by Fountain House, show that integrating social and vocational
support with structured programming leads to sustained mental health
improvements. While Fountain House serves as a leading example, similar
models can be expanded statewide to ensure access to critical services
in underserved communities. By establishing a network of accredited
clubhouses, New York will provide individuals with mental illness the
support they need to live independently, reintegrate into the workforce,
and reduce reliance on crisis-driven interventions. Investing in mental
health clubhouses is a cost-effective strategy that strengthens
 community-based care, reduces public expenditures on emergency mental
health services, and improves the overall well-being of New York's most
vulnerable populations.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill-no prior legislative history.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

2025-S7377A - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  7377--A
 
                        2025-2026 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                              April 11, 2025
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sen.  BROUK  -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on Mental Health -- committee
   discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted
   to said committee
 
 AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to the  establishment
   of mental health clubhouses

   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. The public health law is amended by adding  a  new  article
 29-L to read as follows:
                               ARTICLE 29-L
                         MENTAL HEALTH CLUBHOUSES
 SECTION 2999-NN. DEFINITIONS.
         2999-OO. MENTAL HEALTH CLUBHOUSES; ESTABLISHMENT.
         2999-PP. OPERATIONAL STANDARDS AND CORE SERVICES.
         2999-QQ. OVERSIGHT, COMPLIANCE, AND REPORTING.
   § 2999-NN. DEFINITIONS.  FOR  THE  PURPOSES  OF THIS ARTICLE, THE TERM
 "MENTAL HEALTH CLUBHOUSE" OR "CLUBHOUSE" MEANS A FACILITY THAT:
   1. IS ACCREDITED OR IS IN THE PROCESS OF  BECOMING  ACCREDITED,  BY  A
 RECOGNIZED BODY OR BODIES APPROVED BY THE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH;
   2. ADDRESSES PSYCHOSOCIAL DEFICITS AND SOCIAL DRIVERS OF HEALTH;
   3.  USES  A  THERAPEUTIC  APPROACH  THAT  EMPHASIZES  PURPOSEFUL WORK,
 ENGAGEMENT, RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT, AND MUTUAL SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH
 SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS;
   4. USES BLENDED LEADERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL  MENTAL  HEALTH  STAFF  AND
 INDIVIDUALS  WITH  LIVED EXPERIENCE TO CREATE AND MANAGE THE THERAPEUTIC
 COMMUNITY AND ITS SERVICES IN A NONCLINICAL SETTING;
   5. OFFERS MEMBERS A COMMUNITY-BASED  REHABILITATIVE  ENVIRONMENT  THAT
 BOTH  ADDRESSES  OFTEN  UNMET  PSYCHOSOCIAL  NEEDS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH
 SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS AND PROVIDES STRUCTURES  THAT  OFFER  SUPPORT  IN
 NATURAL, COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTS;
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD08603-05-5

 S. 7377--A                          2
 
   6.  OFFERS  SUPPORT  SERVICES  FOR EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE,
 HOUSING, AND MORE TO BROADLY ADDRESS HEALTH-RELATED SOCIAL CARE NEEDS;
   7.  IS  AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE CONTINUUM OF CARE AND WORKS IN TANDEM
 WITH OTHER MEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES;
   8. RELIES ON THE RESTORATIVE POWER OF WORK AND WORK-MEDIATED RELATION-
 SHIPS TO BUILD A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH AND  INDIVIDUAL  ACHIEVEMENT
 FOR MEMBERS;
   9. EMPHASIZES STRENGTHS-BASED TEAMWORK AND OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE
 TO OPERATIONS THROUGH A WORK-ORDERED DAY; AND
   10. OFFERS NATURALISTIC SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY-BASED RECREATIONAL OPPOR-
 TUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE TO A MEMBER'S PATH AND SUCCESS IN RECOVERY.
   §  2999-OO.  MENTAL  HEALTH  CLUBHOUSES;  ESTABLISHMENT. 1. CLUBHOUSES
 SHALL BE ESTABLISHED WITHIN REASONABLE PROXIMITY TO  PUBLIC  TRANSPORTA-
 TION.    IN  RURAL  AREAS, VIRTUAL CLUBHOUSE PROGRAMMING SHALL BE IMPLE-
 MENTED TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY.
   2. THE DEPARTMENT AND THE OFFICE OF  MENTAL  HEALTH  SHALL  DEVELOP  A
 STATEWIDE  IMPLEMENTATION  PLAN THROUGH TECHNICAL ADVISING AND CONSULTA-
 TION WITH ESTABLISHED CLUBHOUSES FOR  THE  PROVISIONS  OF  THIS  ARTICLE
 WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ARTICLE.
   § 2999-PP. OPERATIONAL  STANDARDS  AND CORE SERVICES. 1. MEMBERSHIP OF
 CLUBHOUSES SHALL BE VOLUNTARY, FREE OF COST, AND OPEN TO ANY  INDIVIDUAL
 WITH A HISTORY OF SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS.
   2.  CLUBHOUSES  SHALL  RECEIVE  ACCREDITATION  OR BE IN THE PROCESS OF
 BECOMING ACCREDITED WITHIN THE FIRST  THREE  YEARS  OF  OPERATION  BY  A
 RECOGNIZED BODY.
   §  2999-QQ.  OVERSIGHT,  COMPLIANCE,  AND REPORTING. 1. EACH CLUBHOUSE
 SHALL SUBMIT A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT AND THE OFFICE  OF
 MENTAL HEALTH DETAILING:
   (A)  CLUBHOUSE ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS AND DAILY SERVICE UTILIZA-
 TION;
   (B) EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENTS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES;
   (C) HOUSING PLACEMENTS AND HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION EFFORTS; AND
   (D) CRISIS INTERVENTION CASES AND EMERGENCY RESPONSES.
   2. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CONDUCT BIENNIAL AUDITS OF ALL  CLUBHOUSES  TO
 ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH STATE REGULATIONS.
   § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

co-Sponsors

2025-S7377B (ACTIVE) - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A4878
Current Committee:: Senate Finance
Law Section:: Mental Hygiene Law
Laws Affected:: Add §7.49, Ment Hyg L

2025-S7377B (ACTIVE) - Summary

Relates to the establishment of mental health clubhouses pursuant to a statewide implementation plan developed by the office of mental health.

2025-S7377B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S7377B

SPONSOR: BROUK
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to the establishment
of mental health clubhouses

 
PURPOSE:

The purpose of this bill is to expand access to accredited mental health
clubhouses.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

-Creates a definition for mental health clubhouse.

-Requires a clubhouse to be within reasonable proximity to public trans-
portation, if participable;

-Allows an accredited clubhouse to establish a virtual clubhouse in
rural areas or other parts of the state without access to a physical

clubhouse;

-Require OMH within one year after this act takes effect, and with tech-
nical advisement and consultation from established clubhouses, to devel-
op an implementation plan to assist with the clubhouse accreditation
process or establish a new clubhouse.

-Creates operational standards and core services that each clubhouse
would need to adhere to.

-Requires OMH to promulgate regulations that would be researched based
and utilize information from sources with expertise in the operation and
accreditation of clubhouses.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

New York is facing an escalating mental health crisis, with a growing
population of individuals experiencing persistent mental health chal-
lenges. Many individuals with serious mental illness struggle to access
the necessary resources to secure stable employment, housing, and long-
term care. Current public health systems often fall short in offering
comprehensive, community-based rehabilitation, leading to increased
rates of hospitalization, homelessness, and incarceration.  Mental
health clubhouses provide an evidence-based, peer-supported model that
fosters personal growth, social reintegration, and economic stability.
Research indicates that these programs reduce hospitalization rates,
improve employment outcomes, and generate substantial government
savings. A recent study reported a 21% reduction in Medicaid costs among
individuals engaged in clubhouse programs compared to similar popu-
lations receiving traditional care.

Economic modeling suggests that clubhouses generate approximately
$11,000 in government savings per participant annually, reducing the
financial burden on state-funded mental health services.  Additionally,
randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that clubhouse membership
improves quality of life, reduces psychiatric symptoms, enhances self-
esteem, and decreases internalized stigma.  Clubhouse participation is
also associated with lower rates of severe psychiatric episodes and
emergency room utilization, significantly decreasing overall healthcare
expenditures. Examples of successful clubhouse models, such as those
operated by Fountain House, show that integrating social and vocational
support with structured programming leads to sustained mental health
improvements. While Fountain House serves as a leading example, similar
models can be expanded statewide to ensure access to critical services
in underserved communities. By establishing a network of accredited
clubhouses, New York will provide individuals with mental illness the
support they need to live independently, reintegrate into the workforce,
and reduce reliance on crisis-driven interventions. Investing in mental
health clubhouses is a cost-effective strategy that str engthens commu-
nity-based care, reduces public expenditures on emergency mental health
services, and improves the overall well-being of New York's most vulner-
able populations.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICTIONS:

TBD

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect 90 days after it shall become law.

2025-S7377B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  7377--B
 
                        2025-2026 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                              April 11, 2025
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sens.  BROUK,  JACKSON, RIVERA -- read twice and ordered
   printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee  on  Mental
   Health  --  committee  discharged,  bill amended, ordered reprinted as
   amended and recommitted to said committee -- reported  favorably  from
   said  committee and committed to the Committee on Finance -- committee
   discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted
   to said committee
 
 AN ACT to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to the establishment
   of mental health clubhouses
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1.  The mental hygiene law is amended by adding a new section
 7.49 to read as follows:
 § 7.49 MENTAL HEALTH CLUBHOUSES.
   (A) DEFINITIONS. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION,  THE  TERM  "MENTAL
 HEALTH CLUBHOUSE" OR "CLUBHOUSE" MEANS A FACILITY THAT:
   1.  IS  ACCREDITED  OR  IS IN THE PROCESS OF BECOMING ACCREDITED, BY A
 RECOGNIZED BODY OR BODIES APPROVED BY THE OFFICE;
   2. ADDRESSES PSYCHOSOCIAL DEFICITS AND SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH;
   3. USES A THERAPEUTIC APPROACH THAT EMPHASIZES PURPOSEFUL  ENGAGEMENT,
 RELATIONSHIP  DEVELOPMENT,  AND  MUTUAL  SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS
 MENTAL ILLNESS;
   4. HAS MEMBERS AND PROGRAM STAFF WORK SIDE BY SIDE TO BUILD AND MANAGE
 A NON-CLINICAL THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY;
   5. OFFERS MEMBERS A COMMUNITY-BASED  REHABILITATIVE  ENVIRONMENT  THAT
 BOTH  ADDRESSES  PSYCHOSOCIAL NEEDS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH SERIOUS MENTAL
 ILLNESS AND PROVIDES STRUCTURES THAT OFFER SUPPORT IN NATURAL, COMMUNITY
 ENVIRONMENTS;
   6. OFFERS SUPPORT SERVICES FOR  EMPLOYMENT,  EDUCATION,  HEALTH  CARE,
 HOUSING,  AND  OTHER  SERVICES  TO BROADLY ADDRESS HEALTH-RELATED SOCIAL
 CARE NEEDS;

  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD08603-09-5

 S. 7377--B                          2
 
   7. IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE CONTINUUM OF CARE AND WORKS  IN  TANDEM
 WITH OTHER MEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES;
   8. RELIES ON THE RESTORATIVE POWER OF WORK AND WORK-MEDIATED RELATION-
 SHIPS  TO  BUILD A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH AND INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT
 FOR MEMBERS;
   9. EMPHASIZES STRENGTHS-BASED TEAMWORK AND OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE
 TO OPERATIONS THROUGH A WORK-ORDERED DAY; AND
   10. OFFERS SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY-BASED  RECREATIONAL  OPPORTUNITIES  TO
 CONTRIBUTE TO A MEMBER'S PATH AND SUCCESS IN RECOVERY.
   (B)  MENTAL  HEALTH  CLUBHOUSES; ESTABLISHMENT. 1. CLUBHOUSES SHALL BE
 ESTABLISHED WITHIN REASONABLE PROXIMITY  TO  PUBLIC  TRANSPORTATION,  IF
 PRACTICABLE.  IF  FEASIBLE AND WITHIN AVAILABLE RESOURCES, VIRTUAL CLUB-
 HOUSE PROGRAMMING SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED BY  AN  ACCREDITED  CLUBHOUSE  TO
 ENSURE  ACCESSIBILITY  TO  CLUBHOUSE  SUPPORT SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS OR
 OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE WITHOUT ACCESS TO A PHYSICAL CLUBHOUSE.
   2. THE OFFICE SHALL DEVELOP A STATEWIDE  IMPLEMENTATION  PLAN  THROUGH
 TECHNICAL  ADVISING  AND  CONSULTATION  WITH  ESTABLISHED  CLUBHOUSES TO
 ASSIST WITH THE ACCREDITATION PROCESS FOR ANY CLUBHOUSE IN THE STATE AND
 WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS UNDER THIS SECTION WITHIN ONE YEAR
 OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ARTICLE.
   (C) OPERATIONAL STANDARDS AND CORE SERVICES. MEMBERSHIP OF  CLUBHOUSES
 SHALL BE:
   1.  VOLUNTARY, FREE OF COST, AND OPEN TO ANY INDIVIDUAL WITH A HISTORY
 OF SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS; AND
   2. SHALL RECEIVE ACCREDITATION  OR  BE  IN  THE  PROCESS  OF  BECOMING
 ACCREDITED  WITHIN  THE  FIRST  THREE YEARS OF OPERATION BY A RECOGNIZED
 BODY.
   (D) OVERSIGHT, COMPLIANCE, AND  REPORTING.  1.  EACH  CLUBHOUSE  SHALL
 SUBMIT A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT EVERY TWO YEARS TO THE OFFICE DETAILING:
   (I)  CLUBHOUSE ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS AND DAILY SERVICE UTILIZA-
 TION;
   (II) EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENTS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES;
   (III) HOUSING PLACEMENTS AND HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION EFFORTS; AND
   (IV) CRISIS INTERVENTION CASES AND EMERGENCY RESPONSES.
   2. THE OFFICE SHALL CONDUCT  BIENNIAL  AUDITS  OF  ALL  CLUBHOUSES  TO
 ENSURE  COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE OFFICE CONSISTENT
 WITH THIS SECTION AND SHALL  BE  RESEARCH-BASED,  UTILIZING  INFORMATION
 FROM  SOURCES WITH EXPERTISE IN THE OPERATION AND THE ACCREDITATION OF A
 CLUBHOUSE.
   § 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day  after  it  shall
 have become a law.

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Senate Bill S7377B

Sponsored By

Current Bill Status - In Senate Committee Finance Committee

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May 21, 2025 - Mental Health Committee Vote

Mental Health Committee Vote: May 21, 2025

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2025-S7377 - Details

2025-S7377 - Summary

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2025-S7377 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2025-S7377A - Details

2025-S7377A - Summary

2025-S7377A - Sponsor Memo

2025-S7377A - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2025-S7377B (ACTIVE) - Details

2025-S7377B (ACTIVE) - Summary

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2025-S7377B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

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Sponsored By

Samra G. Brouk

Current Bill Status - In Senate Committee Finance Committee

Actions

Votes

Bill Amendments

2025-S7377 - Details

2025-S7377 - Summary

2025-S7377 - Sponsor Memo

2025-S7377 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

Robert Jackson

Gustavo Rivera

2025-S7377A - Details

2025-S7377A - Summary

2025-S7377A - Sponsor Memo

2025-S7377A - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

Nathalia Fernandez

Robert Jackson

Gustavo Rivera

2025-S7377B (ACTIVE) - Details

2025-S7377B (ACTIVE) - Summary

2025-S7377B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2025-S7377B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

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