Healthcare (Mental Health)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8138: Relates to studying the adequacy of applied behavioral analysis provider networks

Directs the commissioner of health to make publicly available on the department of health website a report concerning access to applied behavior analysis for enrolled children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDirects report on ABA access for autism patients, aiming to improve healthcare service availability and address access gaps in mental health services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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passed · New York · Senate May 11, 2026

S 381: Relates to certain notices and guidelines regarding mental health services and resources available to employees

Directs the commissioner of labor to create and distribute to employers written materials regarding mental health services and resources available to employees to be posted in the workplace; directs voluntary guidance for employers to put in place strategies and programs to support the mental health and wellness of their employees; provides that such guidance be in written and digital resources and in English or translated to an additional primary language or languages as applicable.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health resource materials for employers, promoting workplace mental health access and support per bill's directive to distribute written/digital resources.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates mental health resources for employees, advancing workplace wellness and support under labor standards90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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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 3568: Relates to access to mental health care services for emergency dispatchers

Provides that a collective bargaining agreement or employment contract shall not require that an emergency dispatcher employed by a municipality obtain approval from, or provide notice to, a supervisor to access mental or behavioral health care services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves supervisor approval barriers for emergency dispatchers accessing mental health care, directly improving access to mental health services.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentPrevents employers from restricting mental health care access for dispatchers via collective bargaining agreements, directly protecting workers' rights under employment terms.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Collective Bargaining

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3544: Requires certain health care providers to disclose certain facts in regard to probation to current and new patients

This bill requires doctors, dentists, nurses, and other licensed health care providers (including chiropractors, physical therapists, and optometrists) who are placed on probation for specific reasons - such as gross negligence, felony convictions related to patient care, repeated negligence, or mental health issues affecting care - to disclose their probation status to patients before their first appointment following the probation order. The disclosure must include the reason for probation, duration, practice restrictions, and contact details for the state board, provided in writing prior to the appointment. Patients who choose to cancel after receiving this notice cannot be charged, and providers must obtain a signed receipt confirming the disclosure. The requirement applies only to probation orders issued on or after January 1, 2026, with violations potentially resulting in fines or license suspension.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires healthcare providers on probation to disclose status/reasons to patients, protecting patient rights and safety per bill's intent.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6345: Establishes the commission on public safety, emergency preparedness, and mental health

This bill creates a new commission within the executive department to coordinate public safety, emergency preparedness, and mental health efforts across state agencies. The commission, made up of agency heads (including the superintendent of state police and mental health commissioner), will work with divisions focused on school safety, emergency planning, and mental health to provide schools and communities with resources, training, and support - especially to reduce mental health stigma. It requires the commission to hold public hearings twice yearly, maintain a website for public comments, and submit annual reports to the governor and legislature. The bill directly affects state agencies, schools, and communities by establishing structured collaboration for safety and mental health initiatives.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates commission to coordinate mental health resources and reduce stigma, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of addressing root causes and improving community safety.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates commission to coordinate mental health efforts, reduce stigma, and provide resources - directly advancing mental health services per support indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Mental Health

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signed · New York · Senate Dec 19, 2025

S 1744: Imposes certain requirements on institutions housing a defendant due to mental disease or defect prior to the discharge of such defendant

Requires each appropriate institution housing a defendant due to mental disease or defect to assign a critical time intervention care management team to the defendant and make a single point of access referral for the defendant prior to such defendant's discharge.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates care management teams and referrals for mentally ill defendants pre-discharge, promoting continuity of care to reduce recidivism and aligns with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates care teams and referrals for mental health defendants pre-discharge, improving continuity of care and patient access to services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8183: Relates to requirements for certain mental health practitioners to be issued privilege to diagnose and develop assessment-based treatment plans

Provides alternate education and experience requirements for mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts licensed prior to 06/24/2027, to be issued privilege to diagnose and develop assessment-based treatment plans; removes fees for application for such diagnostic privileges.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves fees and expands diagnostic privileges for mental health practitioners, improving access to mental health services per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1956: Requires mental health services for incarcerated individuals with mental health issues related to the trauma of incarceration

Requires mental health services for incarcerated individuals with mental health issues related to the trauma of incarceration upon reentry and reintegration into society upon release.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires mental health services for incarcerated individuals upon reentry, directly supporting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health services for incarcerated individuals upon release, directly supporting mental health care access as per bill's explicit requirement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 495: Relates to medical use of psilocybin; appropriation

This bill establishes a legal framework for the medical use of psilocybin (a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms) in New York State. It creates a "psilocybin assisted therapy grant program" to fund treatment for veterans, first responders, retired first responders, and low-income individuals through certified facilitators (mental health professionals who complete state-approved training). The law defines medical psilocybin, sets requirements for treatment settings and facilitator certification, and includes legal protections against penalties for those using it under the program. It also mandates a two-year department report on the program's implementation and establishes a pilot program for naturally grown psilocybin. The bill makes a specific appropriation to fund the grant program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates state funds for psilocybin therapy grants, funding essential mental health services for veterans, first responders, and low-income individuals.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds psilocybin therapy for veterans, first responders, and low-income individuals through certified facilitators, expanding access to mental health services.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill creates psilocybin therapy grant program specifically funding treatment for veterans as part of mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Mental Health

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