This bill (S 4926) gives injured workers in New York State the right to choose their own pharmacy for prescribed medications under specific circumstances, directly affecting workers receiving workers' compensation. It allows them to bypass the employer/carrier's contracted pharmacy if payment is denied within 72 hours or if reauthorization fails for reasons like missing medical reports, disputes over treatment guidelines, or case settlement delays. Pharmacies dispensing medication under this provision must follow the state’s pharmacy fee schedule, medical treatment guidelines, and formulary, and assume liability for costs if the medication isn’t later approved. The bill was passed by the state legislature in June 2025 but was vetoed by the Governor on December 5, 2025.
Directs the use of a standardized immunization exemption form; requires the commissioner of health to develop a standardized medical immunization exemption request form for school use.
This bill requires New York State correctional facilities to move incarcerated individuals diagnosed with specific serious mental illnesses (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression) out of segregated confinement or long-term rehabilitation units into specialized residential mental health treatment units. It mandates this diversion after consultation with mental health clinicians, applying to anyone diagnosed at any time with one of the listed conditions, unless the move relates to a disciplinary hearing. The policy aims to replace prolonged solitary confinement with appropriate mental health treatment for affected individuals. This change directly impacts incarcerated people with qualifying mental health diagnoses currently held in restrictive settings.
This bill requires new or renovated public transportation facilities - including highway rest areas (like those along Route 87), bus stations, and train stations serving over 500,000 annual passengers - to provide private spaces for nursing mothers. These spaces must include a chair, an electrical outlet, and be separate from public restrooms, with a deadline of January 1, 2026, for station compliance. It applies to facilities operated by state, local, or public entities but excludes subway and rapid transit stations. The law mandates these accommodations during construction, renovation, or expansion, directly affecting nursing mothers using these facilities and transit operators.
This bill creates the "3000 by '30" social worker loan forgiveness program in New York State. It provides loan forgiveness to licensed master or clinical social workers who graduated from a New York college, have student debt, work in New York for five consecutive years, and apply within two years of graduation. Eligible applicants must commit to practicing in New York for five years and meet specific licensing requirements. Funding for the program depends on available state appropriations, with awards distributed based on budget availability.
Develops protocols that designated hotline centers play calming music while callers are on hold, regular "comfort" messages, and if necessary, the hotline center shall provide additional messaging to encourage the caller to stay on the line.
Expands protections regarding violations of safety conditions in adult care facilities; provides penalties for safety violations and operating without a valid license; prohibits reductions in fines in certain circumstances where a patient is endangered or harmed.
Relates to employee access to lactation rooms in the workplace; requires that employers post written policies regarding the rights of nursing employees.
Conforms the definition of an incarcerated individual with a serious mental illness to the definition of "person with a serious mental illness" in the mental hygiene law.
Establishes a youth mental health advisory board consisting of youths aged 16-20 to examine and make recommendations for legislation and initiatives regarding issues of youth mental health including social media, bullying, substance use, trauma, poverty and access to services.
