A recent GNYHA/Healthcare Association of New York State webinar featured New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) representatives discussing updated PRN (pro re nata or “as needed”) and STAT (statim or “one time”) guidance for medications used in OMH-licensed inpatient and emergency room settings. OMH also discussed the recent rebranding of its Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services (OAPSS), which was formerly known as the Office of Consumer Affairs. Additionally, Alliance for Rights and Recovery representatives detailed the use of psychiatric advance directives (PADs) and highlighted peer-led resources.
OMH’s Flávio Casoy, MD, Medical Director, Acute Hospital Care, Community Transitions and Managed Care, and Janine Perazzo, LCSW, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Hospital Care and Community Transitions, noted that the updated guidance centers on collaboration between providers and individuals needing care to determine treatment prior to a crisis is designed to promote recovery. The updated guidance addresses non-medication approaches, distinguishes PRN and STAT medications, and addresses considerations when choosing a particular medication and dosage, among other key points. Dr. Casoy and Ms. Perazzo also noted that early detection and intervention are always desirable when caring for individuals with acute psychiatric symptoms.
OMH OAPSS Deputy Director Elizabeth Breier and Implementation Director Ian Rodgers said the OAPSS team ensures that mental health services and support reflect recipient needs and preferences. OAPSS staff interface with individuals and families served by the public mental health system and contribute to programmatic and policy decisions. OAPSS provides peer perspectives and expertise to all departments within OMH and partners with the community to “put voice, choice, and peer perspectives in a feedback loop.”
The Alliance for Rights and Recovery’s Chief Executive Officer Harvey Rosenthal, Len Statham, Chief Operating Officer, Ellen Healion, Peer Bridger Initiatives Director, and Public Policy Director Luke Sikinyi presented on recovery initiatives that support individuals needing hospital admission, support individuals during a hospital admission and contribute to discharge plans that incorporate peer supports and assist individuals during the transition back to the community.
They noted that PADs are legal documents that allow persons to make their treatment preferences known before a crisis including instructions to refuse or give consent to certain future psychiatric treatment. PADs may also authorize another person to make future decisions about mental health care on behalf of the individual if they become incapacitated. They also discussed the benefits of PADs, including supporting patient autonomy and empowerment, which ensures that patients have control over their services and treatments no matter their mental state. Additionally, they highlighted the Peer Bridger Program, which involves patients having a peer to accompany them throughout their hospital journey, and the CORE Peer Navigator Program, which helps patients navigate from the hospital inpatient setting to community services.
The recording and meeting materials are available on GNYHA’s website.