N.Y. Mental Hygiene Law § 13.42: Autism spectrum disorders advisory board

§ 13.42 Autism spectrum disorders advisory board.

(a) There is hereby established within the office the autism spectrum

disorders advisory board. Such board shall consist of twenty-four

members, fifteen of whom shall be appointed and nine of whom shall serve

ex officio. Of the appointed members, three shall be appointed by the

governor, three shall be appointed by the temporary president of the

senate, three shall be appointed by the speaker of the assembly, three

shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate and three shall

be appointed by the minority leader of the assembly. Of the three

members appointed by each appointing authority, one member shall have

expertise of work as a professional in the field of autism, one member

shall be a family advocate and one member shall be a self-advocate in

the community that such advocate resides. A representative from each of

the following state agencies shall serve ex officio: the office for

people with developmental disabilities; the department of education; the

office of mental health; the office of children and family services; the

department of health; the developmental disabilities planning council;

the council on children and families; and the office of vocational and

educational services for individuals with disabilities. The chair of the

board shall be selected by the governor.

(b) Members of the board shall serve for a term of three years, at

which point such membership position shall be subject to reappointment.

Vacancies on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the

original appointment once a member's term has expired, or if a member

resigns before his or her term has expired. Members of the board shall

receive no compensation, but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary

expenses incurred in the performance of their duties within amounts

appropriated therefor. As of the effective date of the chapter of the

laws of two thousand twenty-three which amended this subdivision, all

appointees who are currently serving on the board shall be subject to

the term limit set forth pursuant to this section.

(c) The board shall have the following tasks and duties:

(1) Study and review the effectiveness of supports and services

currently being provided to people diagnosed with autism spectrum

disorders;

(2) Identify legislative and regulatory activity which may be required

to improve existing service systems that support people diagnosed with

autism spectrum disorders;

(3) Identify methods of improving interagency coordination of services

and maximize the impact and effectiveness of services and agency

functions;

(4) Identify strategies and methods of improving outreach and

coordination of services associated with autism spectrum disorders for

minority group members including, but not limited to, African American,

Latino and Asian children; and

(5) Such other matters as may be deemed appropriate by the members of

the board.

At the discretion of the chair, the board may consult with

stakeholders for the purpose of carrying out its tasks and duties in

accordance with this subdivision.

(d) Such board shall meet at least quarterly. Special meetings may be

called by the chair. The agenda and meeting place of all regular or

special meetings shall be made available to the public in advance of

such meetings.

(e) The advisory board shall submit a written report to the governor,

the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly by

no later than October first of the year next succeeding the effective

date of this section and annually thereafter, setting forth the

recommendations and activities of the council on matters within the

scope of its duties as set forth in this section.