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, 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.
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]
The Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
401 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305-2397
Contact: Webmaster