Healthcare (Substance Abuse)

in committee · New York · Senate May 19, 2025

S 1814: Replaces the words addict and addicts with the words persons with substance use disorder or a variation thereof

This bill updates various state laws by replacing the terms "addict" and "addicts" with "person with substance use disorder" or similar variations. It amends sections of the judiciary law, mental hygiene law, and public health law to reflect this change. This affects legal proceedings, medical treatment, and official definitions related to individuals experiencing substance use challenges. The primary aim is to standardize person-first language across relevant statutes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareUpdates terminology to person-first language in mental health/public health laws, reducing stigma and supporting patient-centered care in substance use treatment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 4948: Relates to reimbursement for non-medical transportation for individuals with a substance use disorder to receive peer support services

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires state reimbursement for transportation to peer support services for substance use disorder, directly expanding access to addiction treatment by removing a key barrier.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3676: Establishes the Sickle Cell Treatment Act

This bill designates five "centers for excellence" and ten outpatient treatment centers across New York State specifically for sickle cell disease care. Centers for excellence (located north of Putnam and Orange counties) receive $500,000 annually for specialized research and treatment, while outpatient centers receive $250,000 annually to manage patient care. It also modifies opioid prescribing rules to exempt sickle cell disease patients from a 3-month prescription limit, ensuring access to necessary pain management. The law directly affects sickle cell patients by expanding access to specialized care centers and clarifying treatment protocols.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $500k/$250k annually for sickle cell centers and exempts patients from opioid prescription limits, directly improving access to specialized care and treatment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2275: Relates to the availability and use of opioid antagonists on trains

This bill requires all trains and train stations operated by public transit authorities in New York to have opioid antagonists (like naloxone) available for overdose emergencies. It directly affects public transit systems, mandating that they stock these medications and provide employee training on their use. Key provisions include amending the Railroad Law to add opioid antagonists to required first-aid kits on locomotives and updating public health and transit authority laws to require the availability of naloxone and staff training. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment, with implementation plans due within 180 days for some authorities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires naloxone availability on trains for overdose emergencies, improving emergency healthcare access and public health response.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates opioid antagonist availability on public transit systems, enhancing transportation safety protocols for passengers and staff on trains.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse Public Transit Rail

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in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 10, 2026

A 5840: Relates to dispensing certain individuals with opioid reversal drugs upon discharge

Bill A 5840 requires hospitals and certain inpatient facilities to dispense at least two doses of opioid reversal drugs to individuals who appear to be at risk for a substance use disorder upon their discharge. This applies to discharges from emergency departments, general hospitals, and inpatient facilities licensed by the office of alcoholism and substance abuse services or the office of mental health. Additionally, the bill updates existing law to ensure hospitals inform individuals with or at risk for a substance use disorder about available treatment services upon treatment commencement, admission, or discharge. The goal is to provide at-risk individuals with immediate access to opioid reversal medication.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates opioid reversal drugs at discharge for at-risk patients, enhancing public health access and overdose prevention per bill's explicit requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6368: Enacts the "children and recovering mothers (CHARM) act"

Enacts the "children and recovering mothers (CHARM) act" to provide guidance, education and assistance to healthcare providers caring for expectant mothers with substance use disorder; provides for the screening of newborns for substance abuse exposure.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides guidance, education, and screening for maternal substance use disorder, enhancing care access and public health programs for vulnerable populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 309: Sets standards for addiction professionals

This bill establishes standards for addiction professionals in New York by defining the term "addiction professional" and requiring minimum qualifications for licensure. It mandates that professionals complete approved training in trauma-informed care, co-occurring disorder treatment, and sensitivity training, with specific requirements for services related to substance use disorders and compulsive gambling. The Office of Addiction Services and Supports will issue licenses, credentials, and authorizations, create a credentialing board, and set fees, while ensuring services are accessible regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. These standards directly affect addiction counselors and the patients they serve, aiming to improve service quality and patient rights.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes training standards for addiction professionals, enhancing mental health service quality and public health program standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Substance Abuse

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4244: Allows for principals to be remanded into custody for drug treatment where there is a risk of continued substance abuse

Allows for principals to be remanded into custody for drug treatment where there is a risk of continued substance abuse or the use of an opioid antagonist was required.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill redirects offenders to drug treatment instead of incarceration, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform elements.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates drug treatment for substance abuse instead of incarceration, directly supporting healthcare access for addiction treatment through opioid antagonist use.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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died · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 2644: Prohibits the retrospective denial of payment for substance use disorder treatment services

Prohibits the retrospective denial of payment for substance use disorder treatment services if an insured was covered for such services at the time treatment was initiated; requires insurers to notify a treatment provider when an insured has lost coverage based on termination of the insured's employment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents insurers from retroactively denying payment for substance use disorder treatment when covered at treatment initiation, protecting patient access to mental health services and ensuring coverage continuity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1522: Requires the office of addiction services and supports to encourage, aid, and facilitate clinical research into the use of ibogaine in drug treatment

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates research into ibogaine for addiction treatment, advancing public health initiatives and expanding potential treatment options for substance abuse disorders.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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