N.Y. Executive Law § 561: Advisory council

§ 561. Advisory council. 1. There shall be within the justice center

an advisory council consisting of no less than fifteen members to be

appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate.

Members shall be appointed on the basis of their professional and

personal knowledge in the care and treatment of and in the provision of

services, supports, and advocacy to and on behalf of service recipients,

as defined in subdivision nine of section four hundred eighty-eight of

the social services law, and individuals with disabilities, or their

active interest in the system of services for such service recipients or

individuals with disabilities. In making such appointments, the governor

shall endeavor to ensure the overall membership of the council

adequately reflects the programs and services within the justice

center's jurisdiction and that at least one-half of the members are

individuals or parents or relatives of individuals who are or have

participated in or are or have been recipients of programs and services

within the justice center's jurisdiction. The council shall include but

shall not be limited to:

(a) members of boards of visitors appointed pursuant to articles seven

and thirteen of the mental hygiene law;

(b) consumer representatives, including current or former service

recipients of an applicable facility or provider agency;

(c) parents, relatives or guardians of such service recipients;

(d) providers of services to vulnerable persons;

(e) directors of facilities, community services or members of

community services boards;

(f) current and former consumers of services for individuals with

physical disabilities;

(g) members of organizations that advocate on behalf of vulnerable

persons and individuals with disabilities; and

(h) an employee of a facility or provider agency as defined in

subdivision four of section four hundred eighty-eight of the social

services law.

2. Members shall be appointed for terms of three years provided,

however, that of the members first appointed, one-third shall be

appointed for one-year terms and one-third shall be appointed for

two-year terms. A member may be removed by the governor for good cause

after notice and an opportunity to be heard on the charges. Vacancies

shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments for the

remainder of any unexpired term.

3. The governor shall designate one member of the council as its chair

to serve as such at the pleasure of the governor.

4. Council members shall not receive compensation, but each member

shall be entitled to receive his or her reasonable and necessary

expenses incurred in connection with his or her services as a member

within the amounts appropriated therefor.

5. The council shall have an executive secretary designated by the

executive director of the justice center. The executive director may

also assign such other employees of the justice center as the council

may from time to time require to assist it in the performance of its

duties.

6. The council shall advise and assist the justice center in

developing policies, proposed regulations, plans and programs to carry

out its functions, powers and duties pursuant to this section. The

council may consider any matter related to improving the quality of life

of citizens of the state who have disabilities and shall advise the

justice center on any such matter.

7. The council shall meet at least four times a year. The council

shall meet at the request of its chair or the executive director of the

justice center.