This bill (A 9491) requires courts and mental health institutions to coordinate discharge planning for defendants in criminal cases terminated due to mental disease or defect. It mandates that courts order referrals to community services (when clinically appropriate and with consent) and dismiss charges upon termination, while institutions must track referrals and submit de-identified annual reports to state officials. The mental hygiene law office must publish annual public data on defendant outcomes, including admission rates, discharge planning, and referral patterns. The bill directly affects defendants in such cases, courts, mental health facilities, and state agencies, without altering eligibility for services or requiring referrals where consent is absent.
Requires anti-bias training for every medical student, medical resident and physician assistant student in the state; requires the department of health to make an annual report on the implementation and effectiveness of such training.
Senate Bill S 7641 designates where revenue from the existing opioid excise tax in New York State will be allocated. It specifies that all taxes, interest, and penalties collected from this tax, after accounting for any refunds, will be deposited into the New York State Drug Treatment and Public Education Fund. This mechanism ensures that funds generated by the opioid excise tax are directly used to support drug treatment and public education initiatives throughout the state.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Refers individuals to appropriate service providers that are able to provide services to such individual within seventy-two hours for substance use disorders.
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.
