Bill > S08903

This bill amends the mental hygiene law to ensure that burial records of former patients interred at state mental health hospital cemeteries are made available to the public. Specifically, it mandates that the Department of Mental Hygiene and the Office of Mental Health must provide burial records, including the deceased's name, date of birth, date of death, and burial location, within thirty days of a patient's death, and that additional information, such as military service or family relationships, can also be released. The bill defines "state mental health hospital" broadly to include former asylums and institutions for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, and clarifies that "burial records" encompass a wide range of personal and service-related details. Importantly, it states that no fee will be charged for these records, that current cemetery maps will be maintained and publicly accessible, and that signs with contact information will be posted at cemeteries. The bill also clarifies that these burial records are separate from clinical records and will be retained permanently, and that any transfer of cemetery property must include these records and maps. Furthermore, medical, clinical, and personnel records of these former patients will be kept indefinitely.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8903