BILL NUMBER: S5273
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to qualified mental
health associates
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To create a new, supervised, entry level position of Qualified Mental
Health Associate.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: The office of mental health shall foster programs for the
training and development of persons capable of providing support to
individuals under treatment plans developed by licensed mental health
practitioners. The office shall establish minimum qualifications for
this position including educational and or equivalent on-the-job experi-
ence.
Section 2: The commissioner will establish a credentialing board to
provide advice concerning the credentialing process of the title of
Qualified Mental Health Associate.
Section 3: The title, Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA), will
officially designate an individual as one who holds a registered and
valid credential issued by the office of mental health which documents
the individuals' qualifications to assist licensed mental health practi-
tioners though coaching and supporting individuals under treatment
plans.
 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
Amendments included in A8464A would do the following:
- Clarify the minimum qualifications for a QHMA would be a combination
of education, training, or work experience that would demonstrate the
competency necessary to provide certain non-clinical activities.
- Add language to require the commissioner of OMR to develop procedures
for remedial action which may be used at the discretion of the commis-
sioner, prior to issuing penalties, or suspending, revoking, or annull-
ing such credentials.
- Add language to require the appointments to the advisory board be
representative of the diverse mental health field, including but riot
limited to consumers of mental health services or persons with lived
experience; individuals who represent underserved populations, including
urban and rural areas of the state; and other credentialed and licensed
mental health professionals.
- Add language to prohibit a QMHA from acting in a manner that would
require a license, registration, or certification pursuant to title
eight of the education law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This model is similar to the model in substance abuse services called
Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), in which
individuals gain professional development through training curriculum
combined with hands-on experience. A QMHA will be an Office of Mental
Health licensed paraprofessional who supports individuals in implement-
ing a treatment plan developed by a licensed practitioner, only under
the supervision of the licensed practitioner. The position will serve to
increase the engagement of community college and undergraduate students
who are considering a career in mental health but have had limited
opportunities for hands-on experience. The QMHA designation allows indi-
viduals to gain this experience while assisting licensed clinicians now
in short supply in many underserved and rural communities.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S8765A
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.

Statutes affected:
S5273: 7.07 mental hygiene law, 7.03 mental hygiene law