Bill > A01577

This bill amends the Mental Hygiene Law to expand the duties of the independent developmental disability ombudsman program. The key provisions are: 1. Establishing a service delivery structure based in New York State that includes a toll-free hotline, interactive website, and in-person, telephone, and email access to ombudsman program staff or volunteers. 2. Providing assistance to individuals with navigating and completing processes to access services, filing and preparing appeals, and resolving complaints related to access to services provided by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, care coordination organizations, and other providers. 3. Tracking and quantifying problems and inquiries encountered by individuals, and educating them on their rights and responsibilities regarding access to services. 4. Requiring certain notices and materials provided to individuals to include the contact information for the independent developmental disability ombudsman program. 5. Specifying that only domestic not-for-profit corporations can submit proposals to operate the ombudsman program, and excluding entities that currently receive funding from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities or bill Medicaid.