Directs the commissioner of the office of mental health to promulgate rules and regulations prohibiting any suicide prevention or mental health services hotline operated or sponsored by the state from being automated.
This bill amends New York's insurance law to require health insurers to cover image-guided breast biopsies as part of mandatory breast cancer screening. It directly affects patients seeking breast cancer detection and insurers who must provide this coverage when recommended by a physician following nationally recognized clinical guidelines. The key change adds "image-guided breast biopsies" to the list of covered screening and diagnostic imaging procedures, alongside mammograms and ultrasounds. Coverage applies only when the procedure is recommended by a physician and aligns with evidence-based clinical guidelines. The requirement takes effect January 1, 2026, for new or renewed insurance policies.
Includes implants, replacement dental prosthetic appliances, crowns and root canals as medically necessary dental care and services for coverage under the Medicaid program if a qualified dentist authorizes the procedures.
This bill establishes a licensing system for dietitians and nutritionists in New York. It defines "licensed dietitian" and "licensed nutritionist," requiring professionals to meet specific education and training standards to practice. The law restricts the use of titles like "dietitian" or "nutritionist" to only those who are licensed, and specifies that only licensed professionals can provide medical nutrition therapy and therapeutic diets for health conditions. It also clarifies the scope of practice for both professions, including services like nutrition counseling and managing dietary needs for chronic diseases.
Establishes a clinical preceptorship personal income tax credit for certain health care professionals who provide preceptor instruction to students studying to be a health care professional.
Establishes the mental health educational opportunity program and the mental health higher educational opportunity program to provide additional educational opportunities for students at certain universities and colleges in the state to enroll in academic programs that lead to a degree or degrees required for licensure in any of the mental health professions.
This bill requires New York's Department of Public Health to annually report on food security trends at the county level. It directs the department to include the USDA's standard six-item food security survey in its existing health tracking system and publicly post the results online each year. The law directly affects New York residents by creating a state-level tracking system to monitor food insecurity, replacing the discontinued federal USDA report. This provides lawmakers and community organizations with updated, localized data to inform decisions about nutrition assistance programs and resource allocation.
Requires insurers to cover the substitution of a brand name prescription drug when the federal food and drug administration has declared that there is a supply issue with a generic drug.
This bill removes a specific section from the public health law that previously addressed individuals who knew they had a venereal disease. By repealing this section, the legislation stops the state from enforcing any rules or penalties related to that specific requirement. The change takes effect immediately and prevents any new legal actions from being started under the old rule.
This bill temporarily allows out-of-state health professionals (like doctors, nurses, or physical therapists) to provide services at the Ironman Lake Placid 2026 event without needing a New York license. It applies only to those in good standing in their home state, appointed by the World Triathlon Corporation, and serving athletes or teams registered for the event. Services are limited to four days before through one day after the July 19, 2026 race, and the exemption expires on July 22, 2026. The bill directly affects participating health professionals and event attendees, with no broader impact on healthcare practice in New York.
