Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ocfs Evaluation Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission extends OCFS variance for psychological‑evaluation timing for 12 months
Summary
The commission granted a 12‑month extension to a variance allowing OCFS secure facilities to provide a comprehensive mental‑health assessment within 72 hours and defer a full psychological exam to licensed psychologists when indicated, citing staffing shortages.
Amanda, a presenter to the Commission of Correction, described a variance request from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) seeking a second extension of relief from part "74 1 4.5 b," which normally requires each secured‑facility resident to receive a psychological evaluation within 30 days of admission. Amanda said OCFS lacks a sufficient number of licensed psychologists and proposed continuing a process by which a comprehensive mental‑health assessment is completed within 72 hours, with a licensed psychologist conducting a psychological exam only if the screening indicates it is necessary. "This is the 2nd extension that they're requesting," she told commissioners.
Commission staff recommended approval for 12 months and the commission moved and seconded the motion. The transcript records "Aye" votes and the commission approved the extension by voice vote; the transcript does not include a full roll‑call by individual names. The extension preserves OCFSs current triage practice under the variance while the agency works to secure sufficient licensed clinicians to meet the 30‑day evaluation requirement.
