* § 41.51 State aid for costs of comprehensive psychiatric emergency

programs.

(a) Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of this article, local
governments may be granted state aid, subject to appropriations made
therefor, for up to one hundred percent of the net operating costs
incurred during the local fiscal year by such local governments, or by
voluntary agencies pursuant to contract with such local governments, for
the operation of comprehensive psychiatric emergency programs licensed
by the commissioner of mental health.

(b) The commissioner of mental health may, subject to the approval of
the director of the budget, directly contract with general hospitals
licensed pursuant to article twenty-eight of the public health law, to
reimburse approved operating and capital costs of comprehensive
psychiatric emergency programs operated by such general hospitals.
Before entering into a direct contract with a general hospital, the
commissioner shall notify each local governmental unit located within
the program's catchment area and give the director of the local
governmental unit an opportunity to appeal the need for such direct
contract. Such appeals shall be informal in nature and the rules of
evidence shall not apply.

* NB Repealed July 1, 2027