BILL NUMBER: S5382
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to the construction
of facilities for chemical dependence services that promote the privacy
of individuals
 
PURPOSE:
Relates to the construction of facilities for chemical dependence
services that promote the privacy of individuals
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends subdivision (b) of section 32.29 of the mental hygiene
law to provide that facilities receiving funding from the office of
addiction services and supports be designed and constructed in a manner
that promotes privacy while bathing, sleeping, using restrooms, and
receiving individual counseling services, while also allowing for maxim-
ization of the use of such facilities. Subdivision 4 of Section 1
provides that the determinations regarding privacy considerations as
required under this subdivision shall only apply to new construction.
The failure to meet privacy considerations in existing construction
shall not impede the commissioner's approval of new construction.
Section 2 provides the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:.:
When it comes to recovery, the atmosphere at a treatment facility and
the comfort of its accommodations can be as important as psychosocial
therapies. Substance use treatment often involves medical treatment that
may have unpleasant physical effects. The facilities which offer treat-
ment should, at minimum, provide privacy to those seeking treatment
while bathing, sleeping, using restrooms, and receiving individual coun-
seling services. Quality accommodations and amenities can motivate indi-
viduals to stay in treatment, allow them to maintain their dignity, and
experience the full benefits of therapy.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S5970 - Passed Senate
2021-2022: S7349A/A8386A - Vetoed by Governor
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S5382: 32.29 mental hygiene law