Alcoholism, drug addiction and other similar problems exact tremendous economic, as well as human, costs. Among the most promising approaches to the treatment of these problems has been the development by the business and labor communities of employee assistance programs. A typical employee assistance program provides access to counseling and treatment, on a confidential basis, to employees who are identified as having personal problems affecting their job performance. With the aid of this early intervention, counseling and treatment, many of these persons can be helped.

There is growing evidence that employee assistance programs are both successful and cost-effective. Studies indicate that, in the case of alcoholism, employees referred to treatment have achieved high recovery rates. Furthermore, an employer receives a substantial return for the investment in an employee assistance program as a result of cost savings from decreased absenteeism, fewer accidents and lower utilization of health care benefits.

Notwithstanding the success of employee assistance programs, only 12 percent of the total work force in New York State currently have access to employee assistance programs. Several pilot projects, established by the State of New York in conjunction with public employee unions, have demonstrated the need for the development of a comprehensive employee assistance program supported by the State and public employee unions for all State employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, HUGH L. CAREY, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of New York, do hereby establish a task force, to be known as the Employee Assistance Program Task Force, to assist me in the development of a comprehensive labor-management supported employee assistance program for all State workers.

I. Powers and Responsibilities.

A. The Employee Assistance Program Task Force shall:

B. The Task Force shall submit to the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations no later than February 1, 1982.

II. Membership.

The Task Force will be chaired by the Director of the Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse and consist of the Director of the Office of Employee Relations and Director of the Division of the Budget. The Governor shall also appoint to the Task Force commissioners and directors of other appropriate State departments offering employee assistance programs, the presidents of public service employee unions, and experts in the field.

Members of the Task Force shall receive no compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for any necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties.

III. Personnel.

In performing its powers, duties and functions, the Task Force shall utilize the resources of the Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, the Department of Civil Service and any State department providing an employee assistance program.