The "Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act" is designed to improve access to mental health services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, recognizing their unique communication needs. The bill mandates that mental health professionals provide services that are culturally affirmative and linguistically appropriate, tailored to the client's primary communication method, which may include sign language. It emphasizes the necessity for professionals to be fluent in the client's preferred communication method and to understand the cultural context of being deaf or hard of hearing. Additionally, the act requires the creation of a resource guide for available mental health services and the development of state and regional services to meet the specialized needs of this population.

To facilitate the effective implementation of these provisions, the bill establishes a deaf services coordinator within the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, who will oversee the delivery of these specialized services statewide. The coordinator will collaborate with an advisory committee made up of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, mental health professionals, and educators to develop standards of care and ensure compliance with relevant laws. The act also outlines the responsibilities of mental health professionals to work with the coordinator and provide access to services, including telemedicine options when necessary. Furthermore, clients have the right to refuse services, and in such cases, mental health professionals must secure a signed waiver and notify the deaf services coordinator. The bill empowers the Assistant Commissioner and Executive Director to adopt necessary regulations and allows for administrative actions to be taken prior to the bill's effective date, which is set for 180 days after enactment.