Healthcare (Substance Abuse)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4538: Requires health care professionals to prescribe opioid antagonists when prescribing an opioid

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates opioid antagonists with opioid prescriptions to prevent addiction, directly protecting patient safety and advancing public health initiatives in healthcare.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

Track

signed · New York · Senate Nov 21, 2025

S 3416: Authorizes practitioners in institutional dispensers to dispense controlled substances as emergency treatment and authorizes practitioners to dispense controlled substances for use in detoxification treatment

Authorizes practitioners in institutional dispensers to dispense controlled substances as emergency treatment for use off the premises of the institutional dispenser; authorizes practitioners to dispense controlled substances for use in maintenance or detoxification treatment to an addict or habitual user.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes expanded access to controlled substance treatment for addiction, improving patient access to healthcare services for mental health and detoxification.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2630: Provides that the results of urine tests conducted pursuant to a judicial diversion program shall be private and confidential

This bill requires that urine test results from judicial diversion programs be kept private and confidential. It prevents courts or any other parties from sharing these results without the defendant's consent, and explicitly prohibits using such results as evidence in criminal cases. The policy applies to all urine tests conducted under these programs, including results showing non-prescribed substance use. This ensures participants' privacy while allowing necessary treatment program access.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects defendant privacy in judicial diversion programs, promoting rehabilitation access and civil rights within criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects patient privacy in substance abuse treatment programs, enabling access to care without fear of criminal evidence use, aligning with patient rights protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5497: Establishes certified recovery residences for individuals recovering from substance use disorder

This bill establishes certified recovery residences - supportive housing for 4-14 people recovering from substance use disorder - with state aid covering up to 50% of construction or operating costs. It requires providers to seek municipal approval for facility locations, giving local governments 40 days to review sites, suggest alternatives, or object based on neighborhood impact. If disputes arise, the state commissioner resolves them within 15 days, considering existing facility density and community character. The bill directly affects individuals in recovery, providers operating these residences, and local governments managing site approvals.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds (up to 50% of costs) for certified recovery residences, directly funding essential health services through state budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds recovery residences to reduce recidivism through substance use treatment, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of improving rehabilitation programs.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides state funding (50% cost coverage) for certified recovery residences, a healthcare service addressing substance use disorder treatment access and support.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds certified recovery residences with state aid covering 50% costs, advancing supportive housing for vulnerable populations through direct financial support and development facilitation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Homelessness Zoning

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3057: Sets standards for addiction professionals

This bill establishes formal standards for addiction professionals in New York by defining the term "addiction professional" and creating minimum qualifications for the role. It requires the Office of Addiction Services and Supports to set training standards - including trauma-informed care, co-occurring disorder referrals, and sensitivity training - and oversee licensing, credentialing, and authorization processes for professionals. The law directly affects addiction counselors, treatment providers, and the state office, mandating that all licensed professionals meet these updated standards to ensure quality care and protect patient rights, including access based on gender identity. It also creates an addiction professionals board to advise on credentialing procedures and fees.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes training standards for addiction professionals including trauma-informed care and co-occurring disorder referrals, strengthening mental health service quality and professional qualifications.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1477: Allows withdrawals from family tuition accounts to pay for treatment of substance use disorder for the designated beneficiary

Allows withdrawals from family tuition accounts to pay for treatment of substance use disorder, including detoxification and rehabilitation for the designated beneficiary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables substance use disorder treatment access via tuition accounts, supporting rehabilitation - key criminal justice reform component to reduce recidivism.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllows tuition funds for substance use disorder treatment, expanding healthcare access to mental health services95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1216: Relates to crisis intervention training for police officers

S 1216 requires police departments in cities with populations of one million or more to implement crisis intervention training for all officers. The bill mandates that city councils develop written protocols - created with input from mental health and addiction officials - for responding to situations involving people experiencing mental illness or substance abuse. These protocols must include mandatory training for both new and veteran officers, along with recommendations for ongoing retraining programs. The law applies to large cities and takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates crisis intervention training for police handling mental health crises, promoting de-escalation and reducing unnecessary force - key criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates police training with mental health officials, improving crisis response for mental illness per bill's protocol requirements, directly supporting mental health services.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1467: Relates to paid family leave after a stillbirth

This bill (A 1467) adds "to recover after a stillbirth" as a qualifying reason for paid family leave under New York's workers' compensation law. It directly affects employees who experience a stillbirth, allowing them to take paid leave for recovery. The key provision amends existing law to include stillbirth recovery alongside other covered reasons like bonding with a newborn or caring for a family member with a serious health condition. The change applies to all policies or contracts issued, renewed, or modified after the effective date. This is a specific policy update to expand access to paid leave for a defined health-related event.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAdds stillbirth recovery to paid leave coverage, expanding health-related leave benefits for employees facing medical loss, aligning with healthcare support indicators.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands paid family leave benefits to include stillbirth recovery, protecting workers' rights under employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Paid Leave

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6481: Permits certain persons to leave behind opioid antagonists at the location of a known or suspected opioid overdose

This bill allows first responders, business owners, and others to leave naloxone (an opioid overdose reversal medication) at the scene of a known or suspected overdose instead of requiring direct handoff. It specifically permits entities like schools, hospitals, hotels, and retail stores to stock and leave naloxone for use in emergencies. The law also clarifies that using naloxone under this provision counts as first aid, protecting users from liability. This directly affects anyone who might witness an overdose and have access to naloxone, making emergency response faster and more accessible.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access to naloxone for opioid overdoses, improving emergency response and patient access to life-saving treatment within public health initiatives.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAllows businesses to stock naloxone for overdose emergencies, improving workplace safety as a key Labor & Employment factor85% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6861: Establishes a senior citizen substance use disorder demonstration programs

Directs the commissioner of the office of addiction services and supports, in consultation with the director of the state office for the aging, to develop comprehensive substance use disorder prevention, education and treatment demonstration programs for senior citizens.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates substance use disorder treatment programs for seniors, directly supporting mental health services within healthcare policy frameworks.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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