Directs the independent developmental disability ombudsman program to establish a service delivery structure based in New York state that includes a toll-free telephone hotline, an interactive website, and availability of in-person, telephone and email access to ombudsman program staff or volunteers; to provide assistance for navigating and completing processes; to assist individuals in filing and preparing appeals; to assist individuals with any problems encountered; and to educate individuals on their rights and responsibilities with respect to access to services provided by the office for people with developmental disabilities and care coordination provided by health homes serving individuals with developmental disabilities or services provided by other providers.
Directs the commissioner of health to approve courses for eligible physicians, nurses and other staff that covers risk management strategies in emergency department visits for individuals with a developmental or intellectual disability; provides a premium reduction for physicians who complete such risk management strategies course.
Relates to instituting internet service neutrality; provides the public service commission with jurisdiction over monitoring broadband internet service providers; requires a certification for internet service neutrality in certain state contracts.
Directs the independent developmental disability ombudsman program to establish a service delivery structure based in New York state that includes a toll-free telephone hotline, an interactive website, and availability of in-person, telephone and email access to ombudsman program staff or volunteers; to provide assistance for navigating and completing processes; to assist individuals in filing and preparing appeals; to assist individuals with any problems encountered; and to educate individuals on their rights and responsibilities with respect to access to services provided by the office for people with developmental disabilities and care coordination provided by health homes serving individuals with developmental disabilities or services provided by other providers.
Requires the office for people with developmental disabilities to create a staffing plan for workforce emergencies when experiencing staffing shortages.
Permits that when the division of criminal justice services has provided criminal history information within the previous twelve months to any state agency for certain individuals, such information can be used to satisfy the required criminal history check for such employee without having to re-request such information.
Establishes a comprehensive training program for care managers employed by care coordination organizations; mandates care managers complete the training before working with clients.
Requires boards of visitors provide greater transparency to the public regarding such boards' activities including when it meets and providing materials to the public.
Establishes a program of tiered eligibility for services offered by the office for people with developmental disabilities for persons with learning disabilities and other complex neurological impairments.
Requires the commissioner of the office for people with developmental disabilities to work with an independent firm to allow such firm to conduct a study on the OPWDD eligibility criteria and determinations following diagnostic evaluations by a licensed professional and distribution of services.