BILL NUMBER: S4953
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to establishing an
intensive addiction and medical services integrated services pilot
program; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration
thereof
 
PURPOSE:
This bill would establish an intensive addiction recovery and medical
integrated services demonstration program for individuals who have
significant addiction and medical issues
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 establishes a pilot program to support two three-year demon-
stration programs providing intensive addiction and medical services in
both rural and urban areas, including physical health care, addiction
counseling, peer support, and transportation assistance. Requires an
annual evaluation of the program's effectiveness and recommendations for
continuation or expansion.
Section 2 sets the effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The intensive addiction and medical integrated services program is an
initiative designed to support individuals suffering from both medical
conditions and substance use disorders by developing models that remove
barriers to accessing the level of care needed.
Current addiction treatment centers do not have the ability to treat
individuals with medical conditions. This demonstration program would
create a person-centered treatment model that assists individuals with
both sets of diagnoses and ensures each individual receives .a level of
care appropriate to them Services encompassed by such a person-centered
treatment model. Because this model takes a holistic approach, the
program will help individuals improve their situation by providing them
with hope.
The current model is not capable of meeting the medical needs of these
individuals, but the kinds of services offered through the demonstration
program will help someone who would otherwise be denied treatment have
the ability to enter treatment if they choose. The primary purpose of
this program is to provide services which are not currently offered to
one of the most vulnerable populations. Giving people the support they
need to be healthier by providing integrated services will pay back
dividends in increased productivity, earning potential, and a decrease
in New York's overdose fatality rate.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S4530/A3378 - Passed Senate/ Died in Alcoholism and Drug
Abuse
2021-2022: S7650A/A8503A - Passed Senate/Died in Alcoholism and Drug Use
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect the first of April next succeeding the fiscal
year in which this act shall have become a law and shall expire March 31
of the third succeeding fiscal year thereafter when upon such date the
provisions of this act shall be deemed repealed. Effective immediately,
the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation neces-
sary for the implementation of this act on or before its effective date
are authorized to be made.