Opinion ID: 2469236
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The PAIMI

Text: In 1986, Congress enacted PAIMI [1] in order to ensure that the rights of individuals with mental illness are protected and to assist States to establish and operate a protection and advocacy system for individuals with mental illness which will ... protect and advocate the rights of such individuals through activities to ensure the enforcement of the Constitution and Federal and State statutes. 42 U.S.C. § 10801(b)(1), (b)(2)(A). [2] In line with these objectives, PAIMI conditions certain federal funding for states on the establishment of protection and advocacy (P & A) systems. 42 U.S.C. § 10803(2)(A). The designated P & A system may be either an independent state agency or a private entity. 42 U.S.C. § 15044(a), incorporated by reference in 42 U.S.C. § 10802(2). In turn, P & A systems are authorized to pursue administrative, legal, and other appropriate remedies to ensure the protection of individuals with mental illness who are receiving care or treatment in the State. 42 U.S.C. § 10805(a)(1)(B). New York has designated the Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (CQCAPD) as the State's P & A system for persons with mental illness pursuant to PAIMI, 42 U.S.C. § 10821. [3] See N.Y. Mental Hyg. Law § 45.07(p) [4] ; 42 U.S.C. § 10821. In 1989, CQCAPD entered into a contract with DAI as permitted by 42 U.S.C. § 10804 [5] and New York Mental Hygiene Law § 45.07(i). [6] See Disability Advocates, Inc. v. Pataki, No. 03-cv-3209 (NGG), Zucker Aff. ¶ 6, Docket No. 205 (E.D.N.Y. Dec. 3, 2007) (Zucker Aff.). [7] That contract designates DAI as an authorized PAIMI agency and ... authorizes DAI to provide protection and advocacy services to individuals with mental illness throughout the state. Id.