Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Jul 15, 2026

S 8335: Relates to enhancing the ability of the department of health to investigate, discipline, and monitor licensed physicians, physician assistants, and specialist assistants

Enhances the ability of the department of health to investigate, discipline, and monitor licensed physicians, physician assistants, and specialist assistants.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill enhances Department of Health oversight of physicians and medical professionals, strengthening accountability and quality standards in healthcare delivery.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7953: Provides for coverage of screenings for elevated lead levels

Bill A 7953 mandates that screenings for elevated lead levels, when covered by an insurance policy, will not be subject to annual deductibles or coinsurance. This means individuals would not incur additional out-of-pocket costs, such as a deductible or coinsurance, for these specific screenings. The bill also amends social services law to ensure that screening and blood tests for elevated lead levels in children are a covered service. "Elevated lead levels" are defined by referencing an existing public health law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates no deductibles/coinsurance for lead screenings, expanding access to preventive care without cost barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 18, 2026

S 4956: Designates services to be provided by a jail-based substance use disorder treatment, peer led recovery support services, and transition services program as essential medical care services

Designates services to be provided by a jail-based substance use disorder treatment, peer led recovery support services, and transition services program as essential medical care services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDesignates jail-based substance use treatment as essential medical care, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - core criminal justice reform priorities.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDesignates jail-based substance use disorder treatment as essential medical care, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 29, 2026

A 2590: Adds certain human services programs to the designated human services programs eligible for a cost of living adjustment

This bill establishes a 7.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for specific human services programs effective April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. It directly affects providers of mental health, developmental disability, and addiction services (including clinics, residential programs, and outpatient care) by requiring them to use the COLA funds to provide at least a 2.6% targeted salary increase for eligible staff. The COLA applies to programs funded or certified by the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Addiction Services and Supports. This adjustment is inclusive of other inflation factors for the specified period, excluding federal pandemic relief programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates 7.8% COLA funding for human services programs, requiring 2.6% staff salary increases, directly funding essential public services through state budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires 2.6% salary increases for mental health/addiction service staff via 7.8% COLA funding, directly strengthening provider services and staffing in key healthcare areas.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3601: Relates to the certification of dietitians and nutritionists

S 3601 allows certified dietitians and nutritionists to order therapeutic diets - including specialized nutrition support like tube feeding - in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. The bill expands their scope of practice to include prescribing, managing, and monitoring these diets, removing prior requirements for physician orders. Facility medical directors or governing bodies must confirm the professional’s competency before they can provide these services. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands dietitians' scope to order therapeutic diets without physician orders, improving patient access to nutrition services in healthcare facilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4776: Requires insurer to respond within thirty days of a request from an insured for their health plan documents

Requires insurer to respond within thirty days of a written request from an insured for their health plan documents, including copies of most recent group or individual contracts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurer response within 30 days for health plan documents, enhancing patient access and transparency per healthcare rights indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 2057: Enacts the "beauty justice act"

Enacts the "beauty justice act"; provides for the regulation of ingredients in personal care products and cosmetics; prohibits the sale of personal care products and cosmetic products containing certain restricted products.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRegulates harmful cosmetic ingredients, a public health measure to protect consumers from health risks, aligning with public health programs under healthcare.80% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7981: Relates to requiring providers to share electronic medical records with healthcare plans

Requires that a contract between an insurer and a hospital shall include a provision that provides for medical records requested by the insurer or its utilization review agent to be made available electronically by the hospital; limits the use of disclosed records.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires electronic medical record sharing with insurers and limits record use, improving access and protecting patient rights per healthcare policy indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Insurance

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 16, 2025

S 7435: Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis

This bill authorizes licensed pharmacists to dispense HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). For PEP, pharmacists can provide up to a seven-day starter pack under a non-patient specific order from a physician or nurse practitioner. For PrEP, pharmacists can dispense a 30 to 60-day supply after completing a specialized training program and confirming the patient's negative HIV status within seven days. Pharmacists must also ensure the patient meets other health criteria and provide information on ongoing PrEP use and the importance of follow-up care with a physician.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands patient access to HIV prevention (PrEP/PEP) by authorizing pharmacists to dispense under specific protocols, advancing preventive healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6648: Relates to utilization review determinations

Provides that certain utilization review determinations shall be made consistent with medical and scientific evidence; includes services for mental health and substance use disorders as part of emergency services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires evidence-based utilization reviews and includes mental health/substance use in emergency services, enhancing patient access and coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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