Research


Administrative History

Chapter 978 of the Laws of 1977 divided the Department of Mental Hygiene into three autonomous agencies: the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, and the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (comprised of the independent Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse and Division of Substance Abuse Services). The act reflected policymakers' determination that "the provision and regulation of services to the separate classes of the mentally disabled can be most effectively and economically carried out by three independent offices." This shift in policy recognized that the former department had disproportionately allocated resources in favor of mental health programs and had not effectively transitioned patient care from institutional to community settings.

The reorganization was slated to become effective as of April 1, 1978. However, the statute directed the commissioner of mental hygiene and the newly designated commissioners of the several independent offices to "take such actions as are necessary and proper to prepare for an orderly transition of the functions, powers and duties" in accordance with the newly mandated structure. During the reorganization planning and transition process, John C. McEvoy served as Executive Director of the Steering Committee for Departmental Reorganization.