Welcome to
Independent Living, Inc.
Promoting Choice, Self-determination and Total Participation
Serving the Mid-Hudson Region Since 1987
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Welcome to Independent Living, Inc. Promoting Choice, Self-determination and Total Participation Serving the Mid-Hudson Region Since 1987
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ACTION ALERTS:
ISSUE: Special Housing Units (SHUs)—solitary confinement of people with psychiatric disabilities in prisons.The SHU bill (A.3926-A/S.2207-C) will allow New York to provide more appropriate and humane treatment to prisoners with severe psychiatric disabilities. The NYS Legislature has already approved the measure. Presently, the Governor is considering this bill. Governor Pataki needs to hear from you. ACTION: Mental Health Alternatives to Solitary Confinement has identified August 7th – August 11th as “SHU call in week.” Call Governor Pataki at (518) 474-8390 on the day your region is scheduled to call: Monday, August 7th: Westchester, Rockland, Tarrytown
Tell the Governor: “I’m a registered voter from (your locality) calling to urge you to improve prison conditions and safety by signing the SHU Bill (A.3926-A/S.2207-C) into law!”
ISSUE: Incorporation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into NYS Human Rights Law. A.7294/S.5074, which passed both houses of the legislature earlier this year, clarifies the scope of protections against discrimination on the basis of disability under the New York State Human Rights Law in the area of public accommodations, to be consistent with the federal ADA. In doing so, it will make available state enforcement mechanisms through the Human Rights Law. The network has advocated for this bill over several legislative sessions, and we are now close to success. ACTION: Please call Governor Pataki on Monday, August 7 and Tuesday, August 8 at (518) 474-8390 and urge him to sign A.7294/S.5074! We expect the Governor to act on this bill in the next few days
ISSUE: Bill (S.6706-A/A.9986-A) that would increase the use of seclusion and restraint in New York State This bill would amend Section 33.04 of the NYS Mental Hygiene Law to allow physician assistants and, by extension, nurse practitioners to authorize the use of restraints in facilities licensed by the Offices of Mental Health and Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. ACTION: Urge Governor Pataki to veto this bill! Please call the Governor’s Office today at (518) 474-8390 and urge him to veto A.9986-A. He will act in a few days...so don't delay! ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The bill would permit physician assistants and nurse practitioners to fully take the place of physicians in ordering the use of restraints and seclusion in primarily public and private psychiatric hospitals and developmental centers, even when a physician is available. Under present law, in a facility run or licensed by OMH or OMRDD, a physician must sign a restraint order. There is one exception: under ‘emergency’ conditions, the use of restraint can currently be authorized by ‘senior members of the medical staff’, which could include physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses. However, a physician must be summoned to promptly examine the patient and re-evaluate the decision on an “as soon as possible” basis. Governor Pataki should veto this bill because: 1) The bill stands in stark contradiction to current federal trends toward reducing and eliminating the use of seclusion and restraint in behavioral health care settings. 2) The bill would erode New York State’s position as a national leader in this area. 3) The proposed bill would improperly expand the authority of physician assistants and nurse practitioners to authorize the use of this controversial, increasingly discredited practice, allowing them inappropriate powers beyond the scope of their training and normal responsibilities. As a consumer stated in the 2001 In Our Own Voices survey, “I was tied up and tied down. It was terrifying, dehumanizing, degrading, and painful.” Instead, New York State should work to assure that mental hygiene facilities are more adequately staffed by individuals who are fully trained in the latest, most appropriate client engagement, de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques. If you choose to send in any Action Alerts, please contact Susan Stockburger as well.
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