Directs the office of mental health to establish programs for the training and development of persons capable of providing coaching and support to individuals under treatment plans developed by licensed mental health practitioners, including but not limited to a process of issuing, either directly or through contract, credentials for qualified mental health associates.
S05273 would require the New York State Office of Mental Health, either directly or through a contract, to create training, approved educational courses, and a credentialing process for a new category of worker called a “qualified mental health associate” (QMHA). The bill sets minimum qualifications for the credential, including a high school diploma plus either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a behavioral sciences field, or at least three years of relevant work, education, training, or experience. It also requires demonstrated competency in areas such as recovery support, communication, psychosocial skills development, behavior management, case management, crisis stabilization, medication management, and health monitoring.
The bill further authorizes the Office of Mental Health to establish fees, discipline procedures, and remedial action for misconduct or unauthorized use of the QMHA title. It also directs the commissioner to create a credentialing board with representation from consumers, people with lived experience, underserved urban and rural communities, and licensed mental health professionals. The bill expressly states that a QMHA may not perform services that would require a license, registration, or certification under Title VIII of the Education Law, making the credential a separate support role rather than a substitute for licensed practice.
If enacted, the bill would amend the Mental Hygiene Law by adding a new credentialing framework within the Office of Mental Health for mental health support workers. It would create a state-recognized designation for QMHAs, establish standards for training and qualification, and give OMH authority to regulate the credential through fees, discipline, suspension, revocation, and rulemaking. The bill would affect OMH, credential applicants, mental health service providers, and individuals receiving services by formalizing a workforce category intended to support treatment plans without expanding independent licensed practice.
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears generally supportive of expanding and formalizing the mental health workforce. The caption emphasizes coaching and support for individuals under treatment plans, and the bill includes consumer and lived-experience representation on the advisory board, suggesting an emphasis on practical service delivery and inclusive oversight. No committee transcript or vote record is available here, so there is no evidence of recorded opposition or amendment debate in the provided materials.
The main potential point of contention is the creation of a new state credential and the scope of duties assigned to QMHAs. Supporters are likely to view the bill as a way to strengthen staffing, improve access to mental health support, and create a clearer career pathway for non-licensed workers. Possible concerns could come from licensed mental health professionals or regulators about role boundaries, credential standards, and ensuring that QMHAs do not perform functions reserved for licensed practitioners under the Education Law. The bill addresses that concern directly by stating that the credential does not authorize licensed practice.