New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal seeks to address mental health care disparities by empowering psychiatric nurse practitioners to play a greater role in involuntary admissions

New York – In a significant move to enhance mental health services in New York, the Nurse Practitioner Association of New York State has thrown its support behind Governor Kathy Hochul’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal. This proposal seeks to amend the state’s mental hygiene laws, empowering psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) to initiate involuntary commitments alongside psychiatrists and other qualified clinicians.

Under the current legislation, only certain medical professionals have the authority to involuntarily admit individuals to psychiatric care. However, the proposed amendment would extend this capability to PNPs, recognizing their pivotal role in the mental health landscape, especially in settings where access to psychiatrists is limited. This includes rural areas, economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, and other underserved communities.

Governor Hochul emphasized the urgency and humanity of this legislative change.

“New Yorkers struggling with severe mental health challenges need compassionate and humane care, and that’s what we are dedicated to delivering this year,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Our psychiatric nurse practitioners are qualified to provide this compassionate care, and we must expedite the implementation of this approach.”

Echoing the Governor’s sentiments, Gregory Rys, President of the Nurse Practitioner Association of New York State, underscored the importance of the reform.

“This reform is not just a matter of efficiency – it’s a matter of equity. Communities with limited access to physicians – rural areas, economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, and underserved populations – are disproportionately affected by the current law.

The proposed changes include a clearer definition of the criteria for involuntary admission. Individuals who are unable to meet their basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical care due to mental illness, and who are at significant risk of physical harm, could be admitted involuntarily. This adjustment is aimed at standardizing care and aligning New York with 43 other states that already have similar provisions in place.

Furthermore, the budget proposal addresses enhancements to Kendra’s Law, which oversees Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). AOT has been instrumental in reducing adverse outcomes such as criminal justice involvement and homelessness among psychiatric patients. The Governor proposes not only to increase funding for AOT but also to enhance oversight to ensure its effective implementation.

Additionally, the proposal seeks to standardize Enhanced Service Packages across counties. These packages allow individuals to access AOT services without a court order and provide necessary support for those transitioning out of AOT. This measure aims to ensure that a broader range of individuals can receive the care they need without the barriers of legal proceedings.

These comprehensive reforms, if passed, promise to bolster the continuity of mental healthcare across New York State, ensuring that vulnerable populations have better access to the essential services they require for both safety and wellbeing.