Care and Treatment
Under New York State Mental Hygiene Law [MHL 45.07], Commission staff serve people with disabilities and their families by providing independent oversight of the quality and cost-effectiveness of services delivered by the state's mental health, mental retardation and developmental disabilities, alcohol and substance abuse and other related programs.
The Commission:
- responds to complaints about care and treatment;
- investigates complaints of deficient conditions and of rights violations in facilities;
- conducts unannounced site visits to examine program operations;
- inspects facilities and licensed programs' safety, security, and quality of care and treatment afforded residents and patients, and informs program managers of findings and recommendations;
- administers a statewide network of advocacy programs for children and adults with disabilities providing support through case negotiation, administrative proceedings, litigation and legislation;
- performs systemic reviews and studies of the mental hygiene system, and
- issues reports to the Governor and Legislature, making recommendations for legislative, budgetary and administrative reforms.
Do You Need Assistance? How to contact us for help.
If you have questions or concerns about the quality of care being provided to a New York State citizen with a disability, would like Commission assistance, or would like additional information about the Commission's services, please contact us:
TOLL FREE: 1-800-624-4143 [Voice/TDD/Spanish]
401 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305-2397