Healthcare (Substance Abuse)

in committee · New York · Assembly May 18, 2026

A 8734: Enacts the individual counseling rate enhancement act

Requires a rate enhancement for reimbursement of individual psychotherapy services provided by a mental health counselor, a clinical social worker, or a psychologist where such services are provided in an outpatient substance use disorder clinic.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires higher reimbursement rates for mental health counseling services in substance use clinics, directly expanding access to mental healthcare providers and strengthening coverage for patients.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly May 18, 2026

A 817: Requires mental health evaluations for participants in substance use disorder treatment programs

Requires the commissioner of the office of addiction services and supports to require mental health evaluations for participants in substance use disorder treatment programs and to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate such requirement.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health evaluations for substance use disorder treatment participants, strengthening integrated mental health services within healthcare.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 8363: Enacts the individual counseling rate enhancement act

Requires a rate enhancement for reimbursement of individual psychotherapy services provided by a mental health counselor, a clinical social worker, or a psychologist where such services are provided in an outpatient substance use disorder clinic.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires higher reimbursement rates for mental health counseling in substance use clinics, directly supporting access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Primary Care Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2506: Relates to addiction counseling services for incarcerated individuals

This bill establishes a mandatory addiction counseling program for incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders in New York state correctional facilities. After medical screening, those diagnosed with a substance use disorder must be offered placement in the program (though participation is voluntary), with each individual developing an individualized treatment plan with a specialist. It also requires county jails to create equivalent addiction counseling services through new standards in Section 45 of the Correction Law. The bill directly affects incarcerated people in state prisons and county facilities who have been screened and identified as having a substance use disorder.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes mandatory addiction counseling in correctional facilities to address substance use disorders, directly promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates addiction counseling services for incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders, expanding access to healthcare treatment in correctional facilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3515: Establishes contingency management services for certain persons with substance use disorders

Requires the office of alcoholism and substance abuse services to provide contingency management services, including non-cash rewards, for persons with addiction disorders who abstain from substance abuse and comply with treatment objectives.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates contingency management services for substance use disorders, strengthening mental health treatment access under public health programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2664: Relates to emergency intervention for persons impaired by chemical substances

This bill amends New York's mental hygiene law to establish clear protocols for emergency intervention when someone is impaired by alcohol or substances and poses a risk of harm to themselves or others. It defines key terms like "incapacitated" and sets strict requirements: police or authorized personnel may transport such individuals to designated treatment facilities, where they must receive a medical evaluation within 12 hours and can be held for no more than 72 hours without consent. The law mandates safety measures during transport, requires discharge planning, and ensures individuals are released immediately if they no longer meet the impairment criteria. It directly affects people experiencing acute substance impairment, emergency responders, and certified treatment facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill diverts substance-impaired individuals to treatment facilities instead of criminal processing, aligning with reform goals by prioritizing medical evaluation over incarceration and reducing potential criminal justice system involvement.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes mandatory medical evaluations within 12 hours for substance-impaired individuals, creating structured access to treatment facilities and strengthening emergency mental health intervention protocols.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6518: Requires persons prescribing or dispensing opioids to counsel patients about the potential addictive properties of opioids

Requires practitioners to provide counselling to patients about the potential addictive properties of opioids prior to prescribing such medications; requires pharmacists to provide counselling to patients about the potential addictive properties of opioids at the time a prescription for opioids is filled.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates patient counseling on opioid addiction risks, directly protecting patient safety and preventing misuse per healthcare topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 23, 2026

A 1921: Provides outpatient insurance coverage for non-pharmacological treatments and non-opioid drugs for chronic pain

This bill requires health insurance plans in New York to cover specific non-drug treatments and non-opioid medications for chronic pain. It mandates that policies provide at least three types of non-pharmacological treatments (including restorative like massage, behavioral like therapy, and complementary like acupuncture) plus two FDA-approved non-opioid drugs, with coverage comparable to other medical services. Insurers cannot apply stricter financial requirements (like higher copays) or treatment limits (such as prior authorization) for non-opioid options than they do for opioid treatments. The law directly affects all health insurers and policyholders who receive pain management coverage under state-regulated plans.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly mandates outpatient insurance coverage for non-opioid chronic pain treatments, expanding access to alternatives and aligning with healthcare support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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signed · New York · Assembly Dec 19, 2025

A 7038: Requires rates paid for rehabilitation and opioid treatment be pursuant to certain fee schedules published by the office of addiction services and supports

Requires rates paid for rehabilitation and opioid treatment be pursuant to certain fee schedules published by the office of addiction services and supports.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeSets fee schedules for rehabilitation and opioid treatment, supporting criminal justice reform through structured funding of treatment programs.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates fee schedules for opioid treatment rehabilitation rates, ensuring standardized reimbursement and access to critical healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4438: Establishes integrated community mental health clinics

Relates to establishing integrated community mental health clinics to provide services to address mental health issues, anger management issues, substance abuse issues and isolation issues.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes integrated community mental health clinics to address mental health, substance abuse, and anger management, directly advancing mental health services within healthcare access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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