Directs the commissioner to create regulations for releasing patient records from mental health facilities to family members.

This bill amends the mental hygiene law to allow the commissioner to create regulations for the release of patient records from mental health facilities to family members. The records can be disclosed if requested in writing by a health care provider for the treatment of a family member. The commissioner must define "family member" in these regulations. The act takes effect immediately, with specific provisions taking effect 180 days after the law is enacted.

Directs the commissioner to create regulations for releasing patient records from mental health facilities to family members.

This bill amends the mental hygiene law to allow the commissioner to create regulations for the release of patient records from mental health facilities to family members. The records can be disclosed if requested in writing by a health care provider for the treatment of a family member. The commissioner must define "family member" in these regulations. The act takes effect immediately, with specific provisions taking effect 180 days after the law is enacted.