This is from my friend, Ryan Thibodeau, who with a few others, are trying to change the New York State law on Mental Health concerning people who were institutionalized in the 19th and 20th centuries. I know, it’s ridiculous that we even have to do this but that’s New York State and the Office of Mental Health. This HIPAA Law should not even apply to people dead for fifty years and that is according to Federal Law that was passed in 2013. Keep your fingers crossed and pray. I don’t know who else would ever pick up this task after this giant effort. Thank you to all of you who sent your story in! I’m closing the application.

Sincerely, Lin Stuhler

“Good evening, all,

My name is Ryan Thibodeau, and I’m part of the group that is trying to change the state’s mental hygiene laws to make old records of institutionalized people more accessible to families like yours. Many thanks for completing the Google form and for your willingness to share your ancestor’s story. We really appreciate it!

I forwarded the information you entered into the Google form to the journalist several weeks ago and she has indicated that she is pursuing an article on this important topic. I don’t know anything about the timing of the article’s publication, its content, who she’ll be contacting, and when she’ll reach out. That’s out of my hands and up to her discretion.

The group is looking forward to continuing pursuit of our bill in the New York State legislature when the new session opens on January 7. As we ramp up our effort, it’s likely that I’ll write again and ask especially the New York State residents among you to write letters in support of our bill and contact your State legislators to urge their support. Stay tuned!

Once again, thank you so very much for your assistance! I’ll be in touch again soon.

All the best, Ryan”
Ryan Thibodeau, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Licensed (Clinical) Psychologist, New York State
Board Member, NAMI Rochester