File #: Int 1171-2025    Version: * Name: Requiring a study and recommendations on the feasibility of implementing a pilot program to provide reconsolidation of traumatic memories therapy for veterans.
Type: Introduction Status: Committee
Committee: Committee on Veterans
On agenda: 1/23/2025
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and recommendations on the feasibility of implementing a pilot program to provide reconsolidation of traumatic memories therapy for veterans
Sponsors: Robert F. Holden, Farah N. Louis, Kamillah Hanks, Justin L. Brannan
Council Member Sponsors: 4
Summary: This bill would require the Commissioner of Veterans' Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene, to conduct a one-year feasibility study on implementing a pilot program to provide Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories therapy to Veterans residing in the city. The study would evaluate whether this therapy is recommended for Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or other psychological disorders, estimate how many Veterans could benefit from such a program, analyze the costs of implementation, evaluate potential funding sources or partnerships, and determine whether the pilot program should proceed based on the findings. Within six months after completing the study, the Commissioner would develop recommendations on the feasibility and advisability of implementing the pilot program, submit such recommendations to the Mayor and the Speaker, and post such recommendations on the department's website.
Indexes: Report Required
Attachments: 1. Summary of Int. No. 1171, 2. Int. No. 1171, 3. January 23, 2025 - Stated Meeting Agenda

Int. No. 1171

 

By Council Members Holden, Louis and Hanks

 

A Local Law in relation to requiring a study and recommendations on the feasibility of implementing a pilot program to provide reconsolidation of traumatic memories therapy for veterans

 

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

 

Section 1. Reconsolidation of traumatic memories therapy feasibility study and recommendations. a. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

City. The term “city” means the city of New York.

Commissioner. The term “commissioner” means the commissioner of veterans’ services.

Department. The term “department” means the department of veterans’ services.

Reconsolidation of traumatic memories therapy. The term “reconsolidation of traumatic memories therapy” means a therapeutic intervention designed to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological disorders through the intentional alteration of memory.

Veteran. The term “veteran” has the same meaning as set forth in section 3101 of the charter.

b. Feasibility study. Over a 1-year period beginning on the effective date of this local law, the commissioner shall, in consultation with the commissioner of health and mental hygiene, conduct a study to assess the feasibility of implementing a pilot program to provide reconsolidation of traumatic memories therapy for veterans residing in the city. At a minimum, such study shall include:

1. An evaluation of whether reconsolidation of traumatic memories therapy is a recommended form of therapy for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or other psychological disorders in the city;

2. An estimate of the number of veterans in the city who could benefit from such a pilot program;

3. An analysis of the cost of implementing such a pilot program, including, but not limited to, training, staffing, and operational expenses;

4. An evaluation of potential funding sources or partnerships that could be utilized to support such a pilot program; and

5. A determination of whether such a pilot program should move forward, and for what period of time, based on the findings of the study.

c. Recommendations. 1. Based on the findings of the study conducted pursuant to subdivision b of this section, the commissioner shall, within 6 months after completing such study, develop recommendations regarding the feasibility and advisability of implementing a pilot program to provide reconsolidation of traumatic memories therapy for veterans residing in the city. At a minimum, such recommendations shall include the factors laid out in subdivision b of this section.

2. The commissioner shall submit such recommendations, along with a detailed report of the study findings, to the mayor and the speaker of the council and post them on the department’s website.

§ 2. This local law takes effect 120 days after it becomes law.

JL

LS #17505

12/3/24 2:30 PM