Healthcare

signed · New York · Assembly Feb 6, 2026

A 136: Relates to the medical aid in dying act

This bill establishes New York's "Medical Aid in Dying Act," allowing terminally ill adults (18+) with decision-making capacity to request and self-administer medication to end their life. To qualify, a patient must have a terminal illness confirmed by two physicians (the attending physician and a consulting physician) and make an informed decision after being fully informed of alternatives, risks, and outcomes. The process requires an oral request, a written request signed by the patient and witnessed by two non-conflicted adults (not relatives or beneficiaries), and includes the right to rescind the request at any time. The bill also mandates documentation, safe disposal of unused medication, and state reporting.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes patient rights in end-of-life care, allowing terminally ill adults to request medication for a peaceful death under physician supervision, aligning with healthcare patient rights protection.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

passed · New York · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 555: Relates to requiring a medical facility or related services to obtain express prior written consent before the making and/or broadcasting of visual images of a patient's medical treatment

Relates to requiring a medical facility or related service to obtain express prior written consent before filming and/or broadcasting of visual images of a patient's medical treatment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires patient consent for filming medical treatments, protecting patient privacy rights under healthcare services.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 1619: Allows a licensed pharmacist to order and administer certain tests

This bill allows licensed pharmacists to order and administer specific medical tests, including COVID-19, flu, RSV, strep throat, HbA1c, hepatitis C, and HIV tests, all authorized by the FDA. It directly affects pharmacists (expanding their clinical role) and patients (increasing access to convenient testing). The law requires tests to meet FDA authorization and federal "waiver" requirements, aligning pharmacists with qualified health professionals under existing public health law. The bill modifies prior 2022 legislation but includes a sunset provision, with most provisions set to expire on July 1, 2028.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands pharmacist clinical role to increase patient access to FDA-authorized testing, improving healthcare access and convenience per bill summary.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 1468: Relates to the provision of patient health information and medical records

Relates to the provision of patient health information and medical records; expands the definition of medical records to include all health related records; prohibits fees for providing certain records.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands medical records definition and bans fees for records, improving patient access to health information per healthcare access indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 489: Refers individuals to appropriate service providers for substance use disorders

Refers individuals to appropriate service providers that are able to provide services to such individual within seventy-two hours for substance use disorders.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates timely referrals for substance use disorder treatment, improving patient access to healthcare services within 72 hours.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 3029: Provides for the licensing of genetic counselors; creates the state board for genetic counseling

S 3029 establishes a licensing system for genetic counselors in New York and creates a State Board for Genetic Counseling. To practice as a genetic counselor or use the title "genetic counselor," individuals must obtain a license by meeting requirements including a master's degree in genetic counseling, passing an exam, and demonstrating relevant experience. The bill prohibits unlicensed practice and restricts the title to licensed professionals, while defining genetic counseling as providing education about genetic risks and testing - without diagnosing or treating medical conditions. The State Board, composed of five licensed genetic counselors, one physician, and one public representative, will oversee licensing standards and professional conduct. This directly affects genetic counselors seeking to practice in New York and ensures consistent educational and professional standards for the public.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes licensing standards for genetic counselors, ensuring qualified professionals provide healthcare services, strengthening service quality and patient safety in genetic counseling.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Feb 4, 2026

S 355: Provides for program eligibility for plans comparable to Medicare part D

Relates to program eligibility for plans comparable to Medicare part D; provides for analysis of health plans by the department of health to determine whether such health plans meet or exceed the Medicare part D standard; requires the department of health, in consultation with the department of financial services, to notify prescription drug insurers of the provisions of this act.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires health plans to meet or exceed Medicare Part D standards, strengthening prescription drug coverage access and patient protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 3, 2026

S 8817: Relates to the use of virtual credit cards by insurers and certain health care plans and the effectiveness of provisions of law relating thereto

S 8817 requires insurers and health care plans to notify providers about potential fees before using payment methods like virtual credit cards that charge providers, offer a fee-free alternative, and get provider consent within 30 days. If providers don't choose within that timeframe, insurers must use the fee-free method. The bill also prohibits charging fees for payment transmission unless providers explicitly consent to the fee-charged method. This directly affects health care providers receiving payments from insurers by ensuring transparency about payment fees and giving them control over payment method choices.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects healthcare providers from unexpected payment fees by requiring insurer consent and fee-free alternatives, ensuring fairer financial practices in healthcare billing.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 3, 2026

S 8759: Requires the state office for the aging to publish a "Guide to Actions When Someone Close Dies"

This bill requires New York's State Office for the Aging to create and publish a "Guide to Actions When Someone Close Dies" within one year. The guide must cover practical information on economic security (pensions, insurance, taxes), legal steps (death certificates, wills), mental health support for grief, funeral arrangements and costs, and other relevant resources. It directly affects New Yorkers experiencing bereavement by providing a centralized, accessible resource during a difficult time. The guide will be available online and optionally in print, developed with input from experts in funeral services, mental health, law, and tax fields. The bill is procedural, focusing on creating a reference tool rather than changing existing laws.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMental health support for grief is explicitly required in the guide, aligning with healthcare support indicators for mental health services.65% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 3, 2026

S 4548: Permits dentists to administer vaccinations against human papillomavirus

This bill amends New York's education law to explicitly permit dentists to administer human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations as part of their professional practice. It directly affects dentists by expanding their scope of practice to include HPV vaccine administration, which is currently typically provided by physicians or nurses. The key provision adds "the administration of vaccinations against the human papillomavirus (HPV)" to the legal definition of dental practice under Section 6601. This change would allow dentists to provide HPV vaccines during routine dental visits, potentially increasing access to the vaccine. The bill takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands dental scope to include HPV vaccinations, increasing access to preventive healthcare services and broadening provider availability for public health initiatives.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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