Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4360: Requires cultural awareness and competence training for all medical professionals as part of their licensing requirements; public ed program; appropriation

Requires cultural awareness and competence training for all medical professionals as part of their licensing requirements; requires biennial training in the non-discriminatory provision of medical services for physicians, physician assistants, dentists, dental hygienists, registered and licensed practical nurses, podiatrists, and optometrists; authorizes the department of education to develop the training in consultation with the department of health and other experts; provides for documentation and exemption from the requirements; provides for a public education program on minority health; appropriates $100,000 therefor.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates cultural competence training for all medical professionals as licensing requirement, directly improving non-discriminatory care access and patient rights in healthcare delivery.95% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7409: Includes all FDA approved forms and doses of Naloxone as opioid antagonists in the state definition of opioid antagonists

Includes all FDA approved forms and doses of Naloxone as opioid antagonists in the state definition of opioid antagonists; requires the department of health to approve all forms and doses of Naloxone approved by the FDA as opioid antagonists.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands access to FDA-approved Naloxone for opioid overdose reversal, strengthening public health response to opioid crisis95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3032: Requires certain private insurance plans to reimburse for services provided by child advocacy centers

Requires private insurance plans which provide for reimbursement for psychiatric or psychological services or for diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions to include reimbursement for services provided by child advocacy centers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates private insurance to cover child advocacy center services, expanding mental health coverage under existing psychiatric reimbursement requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 1578: Establishes the Sickle Cell Treatment Act

This bill establishes the "Sickle Cell Treatment Act" to improve care for sickle cell disease patients in New York. It designates five "centers for excellence" (with two north of Putnam/Orange counties) and ten outpatient treatment centers based on patient populations, providing each center with annual funding ($500,000 for excellence centers, $250,000 for outpatient centers) to support specialized care, research, and equipment. The bill also modifies opioid prescribing rules to exempt sickle cell disease patients from a three-month opioid limit, ensuring they can receive necessary pain management without restrictive barriers. These changes directly affect hospitals designated as centers, sickle cell patients requiring specialized care, and healthcare providers managing chronic pain.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds specialized sickle cell centers with $500k/$250k annual grants, directly expanding targeted healthcare access and research for a critical condition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · New York · Senate May 8, 2026

S 5303: Enacts the medical psilocybin act

This bill, known as the Medical Psilocybin Act, would create a regulated program allowing the use of psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, to treat specific medical conditions. It directly affects qualified patients diagnosed with issues such as treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, end-of-life care, or cluster headaches, as well as healthcare providers and businesses that produce or administer the substance. The legislation establishes a framework where licensed producers grow and prepare the medication, while licensed healthcare providers or trained supervisors determine appropriate dosing and oversee its administration in safe settings. Key provisions include creating a registry for patients and caregivers, setting strict safety and testing requirements for products, and providing exemptions from criminal penalties for the legal medical use and possession of psilocybin. The bill also mandates that the Department of Health develop detailed rules for licensing, training, recordkeeping, and monitoring to ensure the program operates safely and effectively.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill legalizes regulated psilocybin use for treating health conditions, expanding mental health treatment options and supporting therapeutic innovation in healthcare services.92% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2165: Relates to prohibited hospital interference with patient care and requires examination and emergency treatment of patients; repealer

Prohibits hospital interference with patient care where the practitioner is acting in good faith and within the scope of their practice; defines emergency medical conditions; requires appropriate medical screening and stabilizing treatment of persons in an emergency department, including pregnant persons, or appropriate transfer.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits hospital interference with patient care and mandates emergency screening/treatment, protecting patient rights and access to care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 319: Requires cultural awareness and competence training for medical professionals

Requires cultural awareness and competence training for medical professionals, including two hours of course work or training encompassing minority healthcare issues; provides an exemption for certain individuals; requires hospitals and facilities to request documentation of the completion of training from employees and prospective employees.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires cultural competence training for medical professionals to address minority healthcare issues, improving patient access and reducing disparities in care delivery.95% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4072: Relates to insurance coverage of certain procedures to detect breast cancer

Requires insurance coverage of sonograms and other diagnostic procedures used to detect breast cancer for covered persons with a prior history of breast cancer or who have a first degree relative with a prior history of breast cancer.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires insurance coverage for breast cancer detection procedures, expanding access to critical screenings for at-risk patients.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New York · Assembly Sep 8, 2025

A 3362: Relates to insurance coverage for pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome

This bill requires health insurance plans to cover rehabilitation services for children diagnosed with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) when a doctor certifies the treatment is medically necessary. It directly affects children with PANS and all health insurance providers offering coverage in New York, including group plans. The law mandates coverage without requiring prior authorization beyond a physician's written certification of medical necessity. The bill references the definition of PANS from Public Health Law §207, ensuring consistent application across all health plans.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for PANS rehabilitation services without prior authorization, expanding access to necessary medical care for children with this condition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Insurance Public Health

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passed · New York · Assembly Apr 22, 2026

A 2078: Requires the immunization of certain post-secondary students against hepatitis B

This bill updates public health law to require hepatitis B vaccination for certain post-secondary students, adding it to existing immunization mandates for measles, mumps, and rubella. It specifies that required vaccines must meet U.S. public health standards and state health department approval. The law takes effect July 1st following enactment and directly affects students at colleges and universities in the state. The change modifies existing public health regulations without creating new programs or funding.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires hepatitis B vaccination for students, strengthening public health mandates to prevent disease and protect community health through existing immunization frameworks.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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