New York Assembly Bill A05545

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/25
• Refer: 2/14/25
• Report Pass: 5/20/25
• Refer: 5/20/25

Caption

Directs the office of mental health to establish programs for the training and development of persons capable of providing coaching and support to individuals under treatment plans developed by licensed mental health practitioners, including but not limited to a process of issuing, either directly or through contract, credentials for qualified mental health associates.

Impact

One significant impact of A05545 is the formal recognition and establishment of the role of qualified mental health associates, which enables a broader range of individuals to participate in the provision of mental health services. This is particularly crucial given the increasing mental health challenges faced by various populations. By allowing individuals with appropriate training to support licensed professionals, the bill could facilitate better service delivery, ultimately benefiting consumers who rely on mental health services. Furthermore, this legislation might lead to the development of new training programs, which in turn could improve job prospects for those entering the mental health field.

Summary

Bill A05545 aims to amend the mental hygiene law to establish programs for training and developing qualified mental health associates (QMHA). This legislation mandates the office of mental health to create educational courses and a credentialing process for individuals who meet specified qualifications. The intent is to enhance the support system for individuals with mental health needs by expanding the workforce capable of providing services under the supervision of licensed mental health practitioners. Through this initiative, the bill seeks to address the growing demand for mental health support services in New York State.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention around the extent of responsibilities and limitations imposed on qualified mental health associates as outlined in the bill. Critics could argue that while the intention is to alleviate mental health service shortages, there is a need to safeguard consumer welfare and ensure that individuals providing care possess adequate qualifications and oversight. Some stakeholders might express concerns regarding the potential for expanded roles without adequate regulatory measures, which could compromise service quality. Additionally, the delineation of authority among mental health professionals and associates needs clarity to avoid overlapping responsibilities.