Bill > A09645

This bill establishes a Veteran Suicide Mortality Review Board within the state's public health law to address the critical issue of veteran suicides. This board, composed of various representatives including health and mental health officials, veterans' services personnel, medical examiners, clinicians, public health experts, and a non-voting representative from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), will conduct multidisciplinary reviews of suicide deaths among veterans. Its primary purpose is to identify trends and systemic factors contributing to these deaths, assess existing services and access to care, develop evidence-based recommendations for prevention and policy improvements, and foster collaboration among state, local, and federal agencies involved in veteran suicide prevention. The board will have access to relevant records, maintain confidentiality of individual case information, and submit an annual report to the governor, legislature, and commissioner of health summarizing its findings and recommendations, while protecting individual privacy by presenting only de-identified or aggregated data. The Department of Health will provide administrative support and resources for the board, which may also leverage existing federal and state funding and data systems.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9645