The proposed legislation mandates the creation of a free-of-charge counseling program, emphasizing confidentiality for employees seeking mental health services. The bill clearly stipulates that any information shared during counseling cannot be disclosed except in cases where a mental health professional determines that an employee poses an imminent risk to themselves or others. This provision aims to encourage employees to seek help without fear of punitive actions from the department, thereby addressing the stigma often associated with mental health issues in high-stress occupations.
Summary
Bill A10275 introduced in the New York Assembly seeks to amend the correction law by establishing a mental health assistance program for employees working in the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, as well as for workers in the Office of Mental Health who provide services to incarcerated individuals. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that employees within the corrections system have access to confidential mental health counseling, which is crucial given the unique stresses associated with working in correctional facilities.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding how effectively the program will be implemented and the availability of qualified mental health professionals within the departments. Critics might argue that while the initiative is commendable, without adequate funding and resources, it could fall short in providing meaningful support to employees. Additionally, there may be concerns about the limits of confidentiality and how cases involving potential harm will be handled, raising questions about the balance between employee privacy and public safety.
Same As
Establishes an employee mental health services program for all employees who work for the department of corrections and community supervision and all employees of the office of mental health who deliver services to incarcerated individuals overseen by the department of corrections and community supervision.
Establishes an employee mental health services program for all employees who work for the department of corrections and community supervision and all employees of the office of mental health who deliver services to incarcerated individuals overseen by the department of corrections and community supervision.
Relates to the election of retirement benefits for certain members of the New York state and local employees' retirement system who are employed by the office of mental health.
Relates to the election of retirement benefits for certain members of the New York state and local employees' retirement system who are employed by the office of mental health.
Extends confidentiality privileges to certain communications to or from a licensed mental health counselor in the course of such licensed mental health counselor's professional employment, and to certain employees of such licensed mental health counselor; provides exceptions thereto.
Establishes a loan forgiveness program for licensed mental health professionals in jails and prisons for the purpose of increasing the number of mental health professionals rendering mental health services in correctional institutions; provides for eligibility and priority; provides for awards in the amount of $2,000; makes related provisions.
Requires mental health services for incarcerated individuals with mental health issues related to the trauma of incarceration upon reentry and reintegration into society upon release.
Establishes a centralized mental health data reporting and integration platform to be utilized by all state-operated and county-administered mental health programs, as well as all providers licensed or funded by the office of mental health for the provision of mental health services.
Defines "mental health clubhouse"; provides that the department of health, in consultation with the office of mental health, shall authorize Medicaid reimbursement for services provided by mental health clubhouses.