Removing outdated clinical language, and to repeal paragraph 2 of subdivision a of section 555 of such charter in relation to a report on the establishment of the department of health and mental hygiene.

A Local Law to amend the New York city charter and the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing outdated clinical language, and to repeal paragraph 2 of subdivision a of section 555 of such charter in relation to a report on the establishment of the department of health and mental hygiene

In 2010, Congress passed Rosa’s Law, which changed references to “mental retardation” in specified federal laws to “intellectual disability,” in recognition of the fact that the term “mental retardation” is archaic, insensitive and stigmatizing, and clinically outdated. With respect to the City’s consolidated laws, the term “mental retardation” appears in 10 sections across the Charter and the Administrative Code. The proposed bill would remove references to “mental retardation” and substitute the term “intellectual disability” or “intellectual and developmental disability,” as applicable, in such sections.