Establishes a certified community behavioral health clinic public awareness campaign
Summary
A10619 would add a new section to the mental hygiene law directing the commissioner of the Office of Mental Health, in consultation with several other state agencies, to create and run a statewide public awareness campaign about certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs). The campaign would use public forums, social media, and mass media such as internet, radio, and print advertising, and would also place information on the websites of the Office of Mental Health and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
The campaign is intended to educate the public about the services CCBHCs provide, including mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, case management, and crisis services; explain how people can access those services; and reduce stigma around seeking behavioral health treatment. The bill also requires certain licensed mental health facilities, certified addiction providers, and general hospitals with psychiatric services to make educational materials about CCBHCs available to patients, either electronically, in writing, or posted prominently in facilities.
Impact
The bill would amend the Mental Hygiene Law by creating a new statewide outreach and education mandate tied to certified community behavioral health clinics. It would not directly expand eligibility for services or change clinical standards, but it would require state agencies and covered providers to distribute educational materials and maintain public-facing information about CCBHCs. The practical effect would be to increase public awareness, referral pathways, and visibility for behavioral health and addiction treatment resources across New York.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad support for the measure: the Assembly Mental Health Committee advanced the bill unanimously, 12-0, to Ways and Means. The bill’s purpose is framed positively as improving access to behavioral health information and reducing stigma, and there is no recorded opposition in the provided materials. Overall, the sentiment appears favorable and noncontroversial in committee.
Contention
No specific objections are reflected in the provided transcripts or vote record. Any potential points of discussion would likely center on implementation details, such as the cost and scope of a statewide media campaign, the administrative burden on state agencies and providers, and whether educational outreach alone is sufficient to improve access to behavioral health services. However, the available record does not show identified opponents or formal dissent.
Same As
Establishes a certified community behavioral health clinic public awareness campaign to educate the public regarding certified community behavioral health clinics.
Establishes a certified community behavioral health clinic public awareness campaign to educate the public regarding certified community behavioral health clinics.
Provides for administrative review when applying for an additional certification by applicants to become certified community behavioral health clinics if such applicant is already certified by either the department of mental health or the office of addiction services and supports and is in good standing for five or more years.
Provides for administrative review when applying for an additional certification by applicants to become certified community behavioral health clinics if such applicant is already certified by either the department of mental health or the office of addiction services and supports and is in good standing for five or more years.
Creates the certified community behavioral health clinic accountability and oversight act to ensure transparency, fiscal responsibility, and service quality by certified community behavioral health clinics.