Healthcare

passed · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 1763: Relates to cost sharing fees for outpatient treatment at a substance use treatment program

Provides that for a substance use disorder outpatient treatment episode of care by a provider licensed, certified or otherwise authorized by the office of addiction services and supports, an insured shall only be responsible for a cost sharing fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCaps patient cost-sharing for substance use treatment, improving access to mental health services by limiting out-of-pocket expenses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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passed both · New York · Senate Jan 28, 2026

S 8544: Excludes certain medication abortion drugs from being deemed unlawful to prescribe or dispense and from being deemed misbranded under certain circumstances

Provides that the prescribing, dispensing, or receipt of mifepristone or any drug used for medication abortion shall not be considered a criminal conversion act under certain circumstances; provides that mifepristone or any drug used for medication abortion shall not be deemed to be adulterated or misbranded under certain circumstances.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes legal barriers to prescribing medication abortion drugs, enhancing patient access to reproductive healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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signed · New York · Senate Dec 5, 2025

S 3355: Includes digital health care service platforms in the definition of temporary health care services agency

This bill amends New York's public health law to explicitly include digital health care platforms (e.g., app-based services connecting workers with facilities) in the legal definition of "temporary health care services agency." It directly affects digital health staffing platforms and health care facilities that use them, requiring these platforms to verify workers' licenses and training before assignments. Key provisions mandate submitting contracts with health facilities to the state within five business days and documenting staff qualifications. The law ensures digital platforms face the same regulatory standards as traditional staffing agencies.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates license verification for digital health platforms, enhancing patient safety and regulatory compliance in healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4803: Relates to allowing pharmacies to store medication in automated dispensing machines

Allows pharmacies to store medication in automated dispensing machines if a contractual agreement is in place with a nursing home or healthcare facility at such facility for the residents.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables automated medication dispensing at facilities, improving medication access and efficiency for residents, directly supporting healthcare delivery services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6713: Relates to providing transparency in the retail prices of prescription drugs

Requires pharmacies to provide customers directly with the retail (before insurance) price of a prescription, in writing and electronically prior to purchase.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires transparent pricing of prescription drugs, empowering patients to make informed decisions about medication access and costs, aligning with improved patient access indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1668: Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of certain public employee retirees

Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and their dependents or reducing the employer's contributions for such insurance; defines employers to include the state, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities and commissions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPrevents budget cuts to public retiree health benefits, maintaining current state/municipal spending commitments on employer contributions for retiree healthcare.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly prohibits reducing health insurance benefits for public retiree retirees and employer contributions, protecting existing coverage.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits cuts to public retirees' health insurance benefits, directly protecting worker benefits under Labor & Employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Public Employees

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 22, 2025

S 2689: Relates to requiring public schools to offer plant-based food options in food service

This bill requires New York public schools to provide plant-based meal options at no extra cost when requested by a student or their parent/guardian. Plant-based options must be USDA-recognized meat alternatives (free of animal products like meat, dairy, or eggs) and must be clearly listed in all school food service materials. Schools may also offer these options to all students, not just those who request them, and must consult with nutrition committees during implementation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires plant-based meal options in schools, enhancing student dietary access and health, aligning with educational support for student well-being.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires plant-based meals in schools, promoting healthier nutrition as part of public health programs.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 30, 2025

S 3826: Relates to the administration of certain immunizations by a pharmacist or a certified nurse practitioner

This bill (S 3826) expands the authority of pharmacists and certified nurse practitioners in New York to administer certain vaccines, including the mpox vaccine. It allows them to provide immunizations for diseases like mpox, flu, COVID-19, and others to patients 18 years or older under specific conditions, such as public health needs or lack of vaccination documentation. Pharmacists must follow physician or nurse practitioner orders and adhere to safety standards set by health officials, with age restrictions applying (e.g., flu vaccines for patients 2+ years old). The bill does not permit unlicensed individuals to administer vaccines.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands pharmacist/nurse practitioner authority to administer vaccines (mpox, flu, COVID-19), improving patient access to immunizations under public health needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Public Health

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died · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 5339: Provides for dentist loan repayment and practice support

This bill creates two programs to support dentists practicing in underserved areas of New York. It allocates $1.2 million annually (2025-2028) for loan repayment, covering up to 8 dentists trained in teaching hospitals and others working in underserved communities, with a 3-year practice commitment. An additional $3 million annually funds practice support, offering up to $70,000 per year for private practice or $50,000 for other settings, prioritizing dentists from teaching hospitals. Funding is distributed regionally (1/3 to NYC, 2/3 statewide) without competitive bidding. The programs target general/pediatric dentists and aim to address shortages in communities determined by the commissioner.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $4.2M annually for dentist loan repayment and practice support in underserved areas, directly improving dental care access and provider retention.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 25, 2026

A 5569: Establishes a task force to study aging in place in mental health housing

This bill creates a 9-member task force within New York's Office of Mental Health to study how elderly residents in community mental health housing can "age in place" while receiving proper care. The task force will examine specific barriers, including integrating mental and medical care, making housing ADA-compliant, training staff on elderly needs, and improving transportation for medical appointments. It must issue a report with recommendations to the governor and legislature within 12 months, after which the task force automatically expires. The bill directly affects elderly residents in state-funded mental health housing programs and aims to improve their care coordination and living conditions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates task force to study barriers in mental health housing for elderly, focusing on integrated care, accessibility, and staff training to improve aging-in-place services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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