Healthcare (Mental Health)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2111: Requires suicide prevention hotline centers to meet certain requirements for individuals who are in the perinatal period

This bill (A 2111) amends New York's mental hygiene law to require suicide prevention hotline centers to provide culturally competent care specifically for individuals in the perinatal period (the time surrounding pregnancy and childbirth). It adds "individuals currently in the perinatal period" to a list of protected populations that hotlines must serve, alongside groups like veterans, people of color, and those experiencing homelessness. The key mechanism is expanding existing requirements for training and policies to ensure hotlines meet the needs of perinatal individuals. This policy change directly affects New York's designated suicide prevention hotline centers by mandating specific service standards for this population.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates culturally competent suicide hotline care for perinatal individuals, expanding mental health access for a vulnerable group within healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8081: 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 provides alternate requirements for mental health practitioners to diagnose/treat, expanding access to mental health services per healthcare topic indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5821: Relates to establishing a statewide person-centered mental health services work group

Establishes a statewide person-centered mental health services work group to improve statewide mental health planning and outcomes to achieve a person-centered, prevention-first integrated and tiered system of care for holistic health and wellness.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes work group to improve mental health planning/outcomes, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7522: Prohibits the application of fail-first or step therapy protocols to coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of serious mental health conditions

Prohibits the application of fail-first or step therapy protocols to coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of serious mental health conditions; defines serious mental health condition.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits step therapy for serious mental health coverage, ensuring timely access to necessary treatments and protecting patient rights per bill language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5397: Relates to Medicaid reimbursement rates for inpatient psychiatric care

Requires Medicaid reimbursement rates for inpatient psychiatric care to remain consistent and uniform throughout the duration of the patient's hospitalization, regardless of length of stay.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnsures consistent Medicaid reimbursement for psychiatric care, preventing payment fluctuations that could hinder access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4523: Relates to excused absence of a public employee for mental health purposes

This bill (S 4523) creates a new paid leave entitlement for public employees in New York State to address mental or behavioral health needs. It directly affects all covered public employees, including state workers, county staff, school employees, community college personnel, and those in retirement systems. The key provision allows these employees to take paid leave for mental health appointments without using their accrued sick leave. The leave is specifically designated for mental health purposes and does not count against existing sick time. This policy change provides a clear, non-punitive way for public employees to access mental health care.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationDirectly supports school employees' mental health needs, enhancing educator well-being and retention without restricting education policies.80% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates paid leave for mental health appointments, expanding access to mental health services for public employees without using sick leave.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates new paid mental health leave for public employees, expanding worker benefits without requiring sick leave use.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Paid Leave Public Employees

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 2046: Establishes the mental health educational opportunity program and the mental health higher educational opportunity program

Establishes the mental health educational opportunity program and the mental health higher educational opportunity program to provide additional educational opportunities for students at certain universities and colleges in the state to enroll in academic programs that lead to a degree or degrees required for licensure in any of the mental health professions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates mental health degree programs at universities to expand educational access and workforce preparation in higher education, directly advancing educational opportunity.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes mental health education programs to train professionals, directly supporting workforce development for mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7298: Includes ambulance services to the emergency room as part of emergency services for the purposes of surprise bills

This bill amends New York's financial services law to explicitly include ambulance services to an emergency room as part of "emergency services" for surprise billing protections. It requires health insurance plans to cover non-participating ambulance providers' emergency services (including ambulance rides to the ER) without charging patients more out-of-pocket than they would with a participating provider. The law prohibits ambulance providers from billing patients for costs beyond standard copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. It also extends these protections to mobile crisis intervention services provided by licensed mental health or addiction services providers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prevents surprise billing for ambulance services to ER, ensuring patients pay no more than with in-network providers. Directly protects patient financial rights in healthcare access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Mental Health Substance Abuse

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 12, 2025

R 1250: Establishes a list of grantees for certain appropriations for the 2025-26 state fiscal year

This Senate Resolution (R 1250) establishes specific grant allocations for the 2025-26 state fiscal year, directly affecting community organizations providing services in elder guardianship, transgender/non-binary wellness, LGBT health, school health centers, sickle cell care, and veterans' mental health. It requires the Senate to approve a plan listing grantees and funding amounts (e.g., $640,000 to Project Guardianship Inc., $75,000 to University of Rochester's Gender Wellness Program) before funds can be expended. The resolution mandates that all allocations follow a Senate-approved process requiring majority vote on a roll call. It does not create new policy but formalizes existing funding disbursement for designated programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates specific state funds ($640k, $75k) to community organizations for essential public services including elder care and LGBT health, directly advancing budget appropriations for these programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds school health centers and university wellness programs, directly supporting student health services within educational settings per grant allocations.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates funds to LGBT health, veterans' mental health, sickle cell care, and school health centers - directly advancing healthcare services through specific grant funding.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExplicitly allocates funds for veterans' mental health services in grant allocations, directly advancing veteran healthcare access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate May 29, 2026

S 998: Permits telemedicine services for mental and behavioral health issues under the workers' compensation system

Permits telemedicine services for mental and behavioral health issues under the workers' compensation system; permits one in-person visit within twelve months unless such in-person visit causes undue hardship on a patient.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePermits telemedicine for mental health under workers' comp, expanding access to care without restricting services or reducing benefits.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands mental health care access under workers' compensation, strengthening worker benefits for work-related mental health issues.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Telehealth Workers' Compensation

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