Harckham’s Behavioral Health Care Services legislation signed into law

ALBANY- State Senator Peter Harckham’s legislation has been signed into law, improving behavioral health care services statewide through coordinated efforts by two state agencies.

The new law authorizes the commissioners of the state’s Office of Mental Health and Office of Addiction Services and Support to jointly establish a single set of licensing standards and requirements for the construction, operation, reporting and monitoring of integrated behavioral health services in outpatient centers.

Harckham, who represents constituents in sections of Putnam, Westchester and Rockland counties said, “For too long, state residents suffering from substance use disorder with co-occurring mental health disorders have not received the comprehensive, holistic treatment that would benefit them because they must navigate different systems for help. Through enacting this law, both agencies will be on the same page when it comes to streamlining lifesaving care and treatment, which will hasten recovery efforts immeasurably.”

“Individuals living with co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders deserve a system of care that is coordinated, accessible, and responsive to their needs,” said Marie Considine, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Health. “By authorizing New York State Office of Mental Health and New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports to establish a single set of licensing standards and requirements for integrated behavioral health services, this legislation represents an important step toward reducing barriers between systems of care.”

Considine this will help providers better serve New Yorkers with co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders, “leading to more seamless access to treatment, better coordination of services, and improved outcomes for individuals and families.”