New York (State). State Commission on Quality of Care for the Mentally Disabled

CURRENT FUNCTIONS. The Commission on Quality Care for the Mentally Disabled (CQC) provides independent oversight and review of the operations of state and non-state programs serving the mentally ill, the mentally retarded and developmentally disabled, as well as alcohol and substance abusers. Functions, powers and duties proceed from creating legislation (Laws of 1977, Chapter 655) and Article 45 of the Mental Hygiene Law. As mandated by state Public Law and specific federal laws, or as required as a condition of receiving related federal funding, the commission administers various state programs to protect and advocate the rights of persons with developmental disabilities, the mentally ill, and to assist those receiving or requesting rehabilitation services.

Functions include reviewing the organization and operations of the Department of Mental Hygiene to ensure uniformly high service standards; conducting systematic policy, program, and cost effectiveness studies to advise the governor and legislature on accountability of the state's mental hygiene service delivery system; establishing procedures to investigate complaints of patients, residents, and employees, including patient abuse or mistreatment, in facilities operated or licensed by the Department of Mental Hygiene; reviewing all deaths and, where appropriate, conducting investigations of unusual patient deaths occuring in mental hygiene facilities operated or licensed by the state; and providing support services, including training, orientation and assistance, to enable boards of visitors of state psychiatric and developmental centers to be effective lay overseers.

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