Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 1857: Establishes a pilot hospital medical debt relief program

Establishes a three-year pilot hospital medical debt relief program to provide hospital medical debt relief to eligible residents of the state utilizing a not-for-profit organization to identify, acquire and cancel medical debt of such eligible residents directly from health care providers in the state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRelieves medical debt burden, improving patient access to healthcare services and reducing financial barriers to care.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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signed · New York · Assembly Feb 6, 2026

A 9515: Relates to requirements for the provision of medication for medical aid in dying

Relates to requirements for medical professionals and health care facilities that provide medication to patients for medical aid in dying; extends the initial effectiveness of certain provisions relating thereto.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRegulates medical aid in dying protocols, enabling patient access to end-of-life care within healthcare system per bill's focus on provider requirements.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes 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 No ✗ Opposes 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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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 4, 2026

S 7705: Relates to Medicaid reimbursement rates for private duty nursing

This bill sets minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for private duty nursing services provided to eligible patients in New York. It requires payments to be at least 80% of the standard CHAMPUS/TRICARE rate for the New York area, effective July 1, 2026. The Department of Health must publish a detailed private duty nursing rate schedule at least 30 days before the effective date and annually thereafter. This directly affects Medicaid-enrolled patients receiving private duty nursing care and the home care providers who deliver these services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates 80% of TRICARE rates for Medicaid nursing reimbursement, increasing provider payments to improve access for patients. Directly advances healthcare funding and access for Medicaid-enrolled individuals.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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