S 897 requires employers to provide nursing employees with a designated room for expressing breast milk that includes a sink or basin specifically for washing breast pump attachments, upon the employee's request. This amendment to New York's labor law (section 206-c) updates existing requirements for workplace accommodations by adding this specific provision for equipment cleaning. The bill directly affects nursing employees in workplaces who need to express milk, ensuring their designated space includes necessary facilities for hygiene. Employers must provide this sink in a room that is private, well-lit, near work areas, and not a restroom. The bill amends existing law and was referred to the Labor committee on January 8, 2025.
Requires at least a ratio of one clinical, non-student mental health staff member per one thousand students on all SUNY and CUNY campuses and for state colleges and universities to update such ratio every five years.
Establishes an office of the state medical indemnity fund ombudsperson and a medical indemnity fund advisory panel to advocate for, assist and represent the interests of qualified plaintiffs.
Requires genetic testing results only be received by patients and health care providers providing direct care while health insurance companies only receive a record that the genetic testing was performed; provides insurers cannot require access to genetic testing results and cannot take adverse action against someone for not providing genetic testing results.
Requires health care professionals to prescribe opioid antagonists when prescribing an opioid and discuss the dangers of opioid addiction with such patient in a manner consistent with regulations promulgated by the commissioner of health.
Requires the office of addiction services and supports to encourage, aid, and facilitate clinical research into the use of ibogaine in drug treatment for heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine addiction.
This bill requires the state to reimburse non-medical transportation costs for individuals with substance use disorders attending peer support services. The state office must establish reimbursement rates by April 2026, working with health officials to seek Medicaid funding and utilize federal grants like opioid response funds. It directly affects people seeking peer support services and the state’s funding mechanisms for addiction treatment access. The law creates a concrete system to cover transportation expenses, excluding medical transport, and takes effect 90 days after enactment.
Establishes an intensive addiction recovery and mental health integrated services pilot program to support two three-year demonstration programs that provide intensive addiction and mental health integrated services to individuals with significant addiction and mental health issues who have had multiple and frequent treatment episodes.
This bill requires all health insurance policies in New York to cover doula services as part of mandated maternity care. It directly affects health insurers and policyholders by adding doulas (non-medical birth support professionals) to the list of covered services alongside hospital stays and midwife care. The key provision amends insurance law to mandate that maternity coverage includes doula services for at least 48 hours post-birth (or 96 hours for C-sections), without duplicating physician or midwife services already provided. This applies to all new, renewed, or modified policies issued 180 days after the law takes effect.
This bill requires health insurance plans to cover outpatient diagnosis and treatment for substance use disorder - including detoxification and rehabilitation - without preauthorization. It applies to all medical, major medical, and comprehensive insurance policies. The law prohibits insurers from applying stricter financial limits or treatment restrictions to substance use disorder care than those used for standard medical or surgical services. This change aims to reduce administrative barriers for people seeking treatment.
