In an attempt to formalize the need for state lawyers to address well-documented mental health and substance abuse problems that riddle the profession, the New York City Bar Association is urging the creation of a required mental health/substance use CLE credit hour, on a biennial basis, for all New York attorneys.

New York would be following six other states that already have some type of “stand-alone” mental health/substance use continuing legal education requirement, according to a 9-page report issued Thursday by the bar association about its recommendation and why it is needed.