As part of the growing attention and interest at all levels of government to advance geriatric mental health care, New York State enacted the Geriatric Mental Health Act on August 23, 2005. The law, which took effect on April 1, 2006, authorized the establishment of (1) an Interagency Geriatric Mental Health Planning Council, (2) a geriatric service demonstration program, and (3) a requirement for an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature.
In July 2008, the Act was amended to expand the scope of the Council to include chemical dependence and veterans. The amendments changed the Council's name to the Interagency Geriatric Mental Health and Chemical Dependence Planning Council, added the Commissioner of the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and the Director of the Division of Veterans' Affairs as Co-chairs, and added the Adjutant General for the State of New York as an Ex-Officio member.
Interagency Geriatric Mental Health and Chemical Dependence Planning Council
- The Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health Co-chair;
- The Director of the Office for the Aging
Co-chair; - The Commissioner of the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Co-chair;
- The Director of the Division of Veterans' Affairs Co-chair;
- The Adjutant General, Division of Military and Naval Affairs;
- One member representing the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities;
- One member representing the Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities;
- One member representing the Department of Health;
- One member representing the Education Department and the Board of Regents;
- One member representing the Office of Children and Family Services;
- One member representing the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance;
- Four members appointed by the Governor;
- Two members appointed by the Temporary President of the Senate; and
- Two members appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
Annual Reports
The Interagency Geriatric Mental Health and Chemical Dependence Planning Council consists of 19 members, as follows:
The four Council Co-chairs and the Adjutant General annually report to the Governor, the Temporary President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the Assembly on plans regarding the geriatric and chemical dependence needs of New Yorkers and recommendations to address those needs.
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