State Codes and Statutes
Statutes > New-york > Mhy > Title-e > Article-45 > 45-11§ 45.11 Advisory council to the commission. (a) There shall be within the commission 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 knowledge in the care and treatment of and in the provision of services, supports, and advocacy to persons with disabilities or their active interest in the system of services for persons with disabilities. In making such appointments, the governor shall endeavor to insure the overall membership of the council adequately reflects the programs and services within the commission'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 commission's jurisdiction. The council shall include but shall not be limited to: (i) members of boards of visitors appointed pursuant to articles seven and thirteen of this chapter; (ii) consumer representatives including patients, former patients, and parents or relatives of patients or former patients who have received services from a mental hygiene facility; (iii) providers of services to persons with mental or physical disabilities; (iv) directors of psychiatric centers and developmental centers; (v) directors of community services or members of community services boards; and (vi) current and former consumers of services for individuals with physical disabilities. (b) 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. (c) The governor shall designate one member of the council as its chair to serve as such at the pleasure of the governor. (d) 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. (e) The council shall have an executive secretary designated by the chair of the commission. The chair of the commission may also assign such other commission officers and employees as the council may from time to time require to assist it in the performance of its duties. (f) The council shall advise and assist the commission in developing policies, 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 commission on any such matter. (g) The council shall meet at least four times a year. The council shall meet at the request of its chair or the chair of the commission.
