Establishes a reverse loan mortgage loan program for seniors; provides for the state of NY mortgage agency to establish many of the parameters for the implementation of the program; defines terms; requires a care needs assessment of each applicant; provides that area agencies on aging shall provide counseling and assistance to applicants; requires independent counseling in compliance with HUD regulations; directs the state of New York mortgage agency to issue an annual report to the governor and the legislature.
Relates to creating autism teams in hospitals; requires the department of health to design a pilot program to develop one "autism team" who may be called upon should a patient with autism come to a hospital; provides that members of the autism team shall be knowledgeable about autism and communication difficulties many people with autism have and advise physicians and other staff on how to communicate with patients with autism.
Establishes the statewide group home families working group; provides that duties include informing and advising the commissioner as to matters of importance for persons with developmental disabilities residing in group homes and their families and guardians, providing recommendations for statewide and regional priorities and goals for individuals residing in group homes and families and guardians of individuals residing in group homes, advising the commissioner on such other matters related to group homes as the statewide group home families working group deems relevant, holding regional public meetings to solicit and receive input from residents of group homes and family members and guardians of residents of group homes, and any matter relating to the performance of their duties with relation to individuals in group homes and on policies, Establishes the statewide group home families working group; provides that duties include informing and advising the commissioner as to matters of importance for persons with developmental disabilities residing in group homes and their families and guardians, providing recommendations for statewide and regional priorities and goals for individuals residing in group homes and families and guardians of individuals residing in group homes, advising the commissioner on such other matters related to group homes as the statewide group home families working group deems relevant, holding public meetings to solicit and receive input from residents of group homes and family members and guardians of residents of group homes, and any matter relating to the performance of their duties with relation to individuals in group homes and on policies, goals, budget and operation of group homes.
Relates to the powers and duties of the advisory council of the justice center for the protection of people with special needs; adds additional duties relating to investigations of allegations of abuse and neglect.