Int. No. 2036
By Council Member Cumbo
A Local Law in relation to requiring a study by the department of health and mental hygiene on the provision of peer support mental health services
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. a. Definitions. For the purposes of this local law, the following terms have the following meanings:
Agency. The term “agency” means: (i) any agency as such term is defined in section 1150 of the New York city charter, the head of which is appointed by the mayor; (ii) any agency as such term is defined in section 1150 of the New York city charter headed by a board, commission or other multi-member body, where a majority of such body’s members are appointed by the mayor; and (iii) the office of the mayor.
City-contracted nonprofit organization. The term “city-contracted nonprofit organization” means any nonprofit organization that provides services pursuant to a contract with the city or any subdivision thereof.
Peer support mental health services. The term “peer support mental health services” means any participant-centered healthcare services provided by an agency in which peers use their personal experience and knowledge to address or treat an individual’s mental illness or mental health needs.
b. Study. By March 1, 2021, the commissioner of health and mental hygiene, in consultation with relevant agencies and city-contracted nonprofit organizations, shall conduct a study on the peer support mental health services that agencies provide. Such study shall include, but need not be limited to, the following:
1. A description of each peer support mental health services program, by agency, which shall include:
(a) The services provided and the need for such services;
(b) The staffing for such services;
(c) The population and number of individuals served;
(d) The funding amount and source for such services;
(e) The challenges of administering such services including, but not limited to, funding, cultural competence, continuity in care, and the awareness of peer support services; and
(f) The efforts taken to address such challenges; and
2. The need to create or expand peer support mental health services, which shall be based on:
(a) Consultation with relevant city-contracted nonprofit organizations; and
(b) Quantitative data on the provision of, and need for, such services, including but not limited to, NYC Well peer support usage data and 311 customer service inquiry data.
c. Report. No later than 90 days after the completion of the study required by subdivision b of this section, the commissioner of health and mental hygiene shall report to the mayor and the speaker of the council on the findings of such study and post such report on its website.
d. The study and report required by this section shall not contain personally identifiable information.
§ 2. This local law takes effect immediately.
NLB
LS #15470
7/27/20