Adult Abuse

Mental Hygiene Law §45.07(c) 1. requires the Commission to assure effective investigation of complaints of patients, residents and employees of mental hygiene facilities, including allegations of patient abuse or mistreatment. Commission staff review each allegation of abuse or neglect received and make a determination on how to handle the matter. If the facility has addressed the allegation appropriately, no further action by the Commission may be needed. If the facility has not resolved the matter appropriately, or if an allegation of abuse is particularly serious, a full review of the facility investigation may be undertaken or the Commission may conduct an on-site investigation.

Reporting Requirements

The incident reporting regulations of both the NYS Office of Mental Health and Office for People with Developmental Disabilities [14 NYCRR par. 524 and 624 respectively] require that programs operated or certified by these agencies report allegations of abuse and neglect to the Commission. Contact: the Commission's Website or call 1-800-624-4143 (Voice/TTY/Spanish).
 
If you are a person with a mental disability, interested family member or advocate, and are concerned about the possible abuse of a New York State citizen with a mental disability, contact us:

TOLL FREE [New York State]: 1-800-624-4143 [Voice/TTY/Spanish] or write to the Commission at

401 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305-2397