For more information: Lauren Tenney, (516) 319-4295
http://www.eisinc.com/release/storiesh/MENTAL.005.html
MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT - BACK TO THE DARK AGES
-- Demonstration scheduled August 3 - West Lawn Park
-- The Capitol Building 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
-- Press Conference 12:00 noon
ALBANY, NY -- (08/03/2006; 1000)(EIS) -- Two bills have been
quietly passed through the Assembly and Senate that have thousands
of people who are involved with the mental health system surprised,
angry, and concerned. Assembly Bill 9986-A/6706-S proposes to amend
current legislation to expand authorization of the use of
restraints. In some circumstances authorization can extend to the
most senior member of the staff present - a person who could be in
the position of front line staff. The measure is certain to increase
the use of restraints on people as it shifts responsibility of
highly invasive procedures to less qualified personnel.
Human rights activist Lauren Tenney co-chaired the New York State
Office of Mental Health 1999 Children's Subcommittee of the
Restraint and Seclusion Task Force, charged with updating State
policy to meet the Federal regulations. Tenney believes this
amendment to legislation "sets New York on the path back to the dark
ages prior to the revision of State Policy PC-701 and the State's
commitment to move toward elimination of these harmful habits. These
spirit-breaking practices negatively affect those who are subjected
to them as well as those who witness and live in fear of them. Of
particular concern are the more than 80% of young people who are
survivors of abuse and trauma."
Advocates and activists have criticized the bills' sponsors for
not including testimony from people who have been or are at risk of
being subjected to restraints. Many describe the practice as
"violent and dangerous," citing records of hundreds of injuries and
deaths each year. A restraint procedure involves what is generally
called a "take down" - injection of drugs and tying the person down.
New York State is a national leader in developing humane and
progressive regulations and methods to deescalate and control crises
without violence and with proven efficacy. Training in the reduction
and elimination of these barbaric practices is what has been cited
as the turning stone of humane culture change in institutions.
Education helps to eliminate cruelty that violates human rights.
New York State spends over $6 billion for mental health services.
As this bill expands the use of these procedures, the possibilities
of injury and death increase, expanding the liability and litigation
of the State. Redirecting current funds toward educating staff in
the reduction and elimination of seclusion and restraint is a viable
alternative to violent, less effective measures.
These bills are in direct contrast to the current movement toward
reduction and elimination of restraint and seclusion in New York
State. The bills are scheduled for delivery to Governor Pataki on
August 4, 2006. It is widely hoped that the Governor will veto the
bills.
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