Bill > S00254

This bill, known as the "Harness Expertise of Licensed Professionals Act" (H.E.L.P. Act), expands the categories of mental health professionals who can conduct clinical examinations and make decisions about involuntary mental health treatment. The bill defines two new categories of professionals: "qualified clinical examiners" (which include psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, and clinical social workers) and "qualified mental health professionals" (which includes the previous group plus additional professionals working under supervision). The legislation modifies existing mental hygiene law to allow these newly defined professionals to perform various functions previously restricted to physicians, such as examining patients for potential involuntary hospitalization, requesting patient transport, and making determinations about a patient's mental health status. The bill aims to increase flexibility in mental health treatment by broadening the range of professionals who can make critical clinical decisions, while maintaining safeguards to protect patient rights. Key changes include allowing these professionals to request patient transport, conduct initial examinations, and participate in assisted outpatient treatment determinations, with the goal of providing more accessible and comprehensive mental health care.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S254