Healthcare

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9208: Establishes distinctive "Alzheimer's Awareness" license plates and provides that the funding for such be deposited in the Alzheimer's disease assistance fund

Relates to establishing distinctive "Alzheimer's Awareness" license plates; provides that the funding for such be deposited in the "Alzheimer's disease assistance fund".

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDirects license plate revenue to Alzheimer's disease assistance fund, providing dedicated healthcare-related funding for patient support services.90% confidence

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vetoed · New York · Assembly Dec 19, 2025

A 26: Prohibits Medicaid from requiring prior authorization for certain HIV medications

Prohibits Medicaid service providers from requiring prior authorization for antiretroviral prescription drugs for the treatment or prevention of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves prior authorization barriers for HIV medications, improving patient access to critical treatments under Medicaid.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7818: Relates to creating a respiratory therapy demonstration program for residential health care facilities

Relates to creating a respiratory therapy demonstration program for residential health care facilities; authorizes the commissioner of health approve up to ten residential health care facilities within the state to operate respiratory therapy units.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates respiratory therapy demonstration program in residential facilities, expanding access to specialized healthcare services for patients.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1632: Provides a tax credit for certain durable medical equipment

Provides a tax credit for certain durable medical equipment equal to fifty percent of the cost to purchase and install durable medical equipment in a residence.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides 50% tax credit for medical equipment, offering tax relief aligning with support for middle/lower income tax relief policies.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides tax credit for durable medical equipment, improving patient access to essential healthcare devices by reducing out-of-pocket costs.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits

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passed · New York · Senate May 19, 2026

S 7007: Relates to requiring mental health first aid training for licensed cosmetologists and barbers

This bill requires licensed cosmetologists and barbers to complete an eight-hour mental health first aid training program. The training teaches participants to recognize symptoms of mental health crises (like anxiety or depression), safely de-escalate situations, and refer clients to appropriate community resources. All current licensees and new applicants must complete this certified training to maintain or obtain their licenses. The law aims to enhance community safety by equipping beauty professionals - who interact closely with the public - with skills to support individuals in mental health distress.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health first aid training for cosmetologists/barbers to recognize crises and refer to resources, directly supporting mental health service access and community safety.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates mental health first aid training for cosmetologists/barbers, directly improving workplace safety by teaching crisis recognition and de-escalation skills.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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passed · New York · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 5981: Establishes the comprehensive sexual and reproductive health program

Establishes the comprehensive sexual and reproductive health program to provide funding to providers whose primary function is to facilitate access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services and information for low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals and provide support to providers to facilitate access to care, fund uncompensated care, and support community awareness of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services across New York state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds sexual/reproductive health services for low-income, uninsured populations, expanding access and support through provider funding and community awareness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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died · New York · Senate May 19, 2026

S 5860: Relates to modernizing the chiropractic scope of practice; repealer

S 5860 modernizes New York's chiropractic practice laws by expanding what licensed chiropractors can legally do. The bill allows chiropractors to use diagnostic imaging (like X-rays), provide nutritional counseling, dispense approved supplements, and perform certain soft tissue treatments - previously restricted under older rules. It also authorizes chiropractic clinical assistants to support licensed practitioners under supervision. This directly affects chiropractors and their patients in New York, clarifying scope boundaries without permitting drug prescriptions or surgical procedures. The bill passed the Senate in June 2025 and is now pending in the Assembly's Higher Education committee.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands chiropractor services (diagnostic imaging, nutrition, supplements) improving patient access to non-traditional healthcare options within scope of practice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 99: Requires instruction in senior high schools regarding calling 911 when witnessing or experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose

Requires instruction in senior high schools regarding calling 911 when witnessing or experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose; provides that pupils shall receive instruction regarding the lawfulness of calling 911 when witnessing or experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose; encourages pupils to call 911 when witnessing or experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose without fear of arrest.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves fear of arrest for calling 911 during overdoses, reducing criminalization of drug use and aligning with harm reduction reform in criminal justice.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEncourages overdose emergency response education, promoting timely medical assistance and public health safety without fear of arrest, aligning with healthcare access and public health initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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passed both · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 5939: Relates to payments by a pharmacy benefit manager to participating pharmacies

Requires a pharmacy benefit manager to pay a participating pharmacy at minimum at the national average drug acquisition cost (NADAC) rate, or at the pharmacy acquisition cost rate if greater or there is not a NADAC rate, plus a professional dispensing fee that is at minimum the professional dispensing fee paid under the state medical assistance program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires PBMs to pay pharmacies fair rates (NADAC or higher), preventing underpayment that could restrict medication access and protect pharmacy viability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 731: Waives a registration fee for basic life support first response agencies

This bill waives the $200 biennial registration fee for basic life support first response agencies, including volunteer ambulance services that provide emergency medical care without patient transport. It directly affects these agencies by removing a cost requirement for maintaining their registration under New York's public health law. The key provision amends existing law to exempt these specific agencies from paying the fee when applying for or renewing their registration certificate. The change applies immediately upon enactment and simplifies administrative costs for these community-based emergency response providers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareWaives $200 fee for emergency medical agencies, reducing operational costs to maintain services and improve access to emergency care under public health law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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