The Narcotic Addiction Control Commission was created in 1966 (Chapter 192) within the Department of Mental Hygiene to supervise the operation of alcohol and narcotics addiction treatment centers and coordinated community rehabilitation and prevention programs. In 1973 (Chapter 676), this commission was renamed the Drug Abuse Control Commission, and in 1975 (Chapter 667) it was replaced by the Office of Drug Abuse Services. Legislation of 1977 (Chapter 978) divided the Department of Mental Hygiene into three autonomous offices, including the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. This office was comprised of two independent divisions: the Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, and the Division of Substance Abuse Services. Although the Department of Mental Hygiene had provided residential alcoholism services since 1961, the creation of the Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse broadened the State's response to growing awareness of alcoholism among New Yorkers. The Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse and the Division of Substance Abuse Services were consolidated into one Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) by legislation of 1992 (Chapter 223). The duties of the Office were expanded in 1999 with the creation of alcoholism, substance abuse, and chemical dependence services to aid the elderly (Chapter 59).
Web Site Topic:
The Office of Addiction Services and Supports is responsible for all state services to alcoholics, alcohol abusers, and their families, and to chemically dependent individuals. The office plans, promotes, establishes, coordinates, and conducts training programs in prevention, education, early intervention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and aftercare for alcoholics and substance and alcohol abusers. The office assists local governments and volunteer organizations in developing alcoholism and substance abuse services. It certifies and inspects alcohol and substance abuse treatment facilities in relation to treatment standards established by the office.
The office is also responsible for accrediting alcoholism counselors and is itself a major service provider, operating residential alcoholism-treatment centers that provide intensive alcoholism rehabilitation services. It also conducts basic research into the causes of the disease of alcoholism. The office also plans, develops, administers, funds, and regulates a statewide network of agencies providing prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services to chemically dependent individuals throughout New York State. To ensure effectiveness, accountability, and quality of care, the office funds, monitors, evaluates, and assists those local programs. These efforts are supported by specialized outreach, intake, and referral programs; training; and research in social sciences providing the basic data for planning and funding determinations.
L. 1966, Ch. 192; L. 1973, Ch. 676; L. 1975, vh. 667; L. 1977, Ch. 978; L. 1992, Ch. 223; L. 1999, Ch. 59.
