Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene

About the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene

The Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc (RFMH) is a private, not-for-profit membership corporation organized in 1952, for the purpose of assisting and enhancing the research and training objectives of the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene and its component agencies; the Office of Mental Health (OMH), the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).

Governance

RFMH is governed by a Board of Directors, composed of prominent scientists, researchers, administrators and government officials, which is responsible for setting operational policies and procedures.

Separate Status

RFMH is separate from the NYS Department of Mental Hygiene and does not receive services provided to New York State agencies or state appropriation to support corporate functions. RFMH is responsible for its own financial, legal, and business systems, its personnel policies and employee fringe benefits program, and its payroll services. Employees of the RFMH are not indemnified under the New York State Public Officers Law, are not entitled to representation by the New York State Attorney General, and do not participate in the state's retirement and fringe benefits program. RFMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Through an agreement with New York State, RFMH has been designated as the organization responsible for administering and directing the conduct of all sponsored research programs carried out by scientists at Department of Mental Hygiene institutes or facilities. Sponsored research activities are carried out at the central offices of the Department as well as at the Departments three research institutes;

Office of Mental Health

New York Psychiatric Institute
1051 Riverside Drive New York, New York 10032

Nathan S. Kline Research Institute
140 Old Orangeburg Road Orangeburg, New York 10962

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

Institute for Basic Research
1050 Forest Hill Road Staten Island, New York 10314

Why does RFMH exist?

RFMH provides an organizational bridge between the scientist and those wishing to support his or her work, be it the Federal Government, State Government, Individuals, Foundations or, as is frequently the case, a combination of multiple sponsors. RFMH provides the Department of Mental Hygiene and their scientists with the independence and administrative flexibility to respond quickly to the special demands of sponsored programs in a manner that facilitates their scientific or technical execution. These are needs that could not be as easily accommodated through state processes. The demands of sponsored programs include

	very short time frames (usually one year or less to complete the project)
	need for prefunding expenditures prior to sponsor reimbursement
	flexibility to hire project staff upon the project start date and terminate them upon project completion
	purchasing supplies, equipment, reimbursement of travel costs, etc. when needed
	subcontracting to third parties for special services
	billing sponsors for payment
	issuing financial reports