Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Feb 18, 2026

S 9224: Relates to educating nursing home residents about the role of legal counsel in applying for Medicaid and Medicare benefits

This bill requires nursing homes to inform residents about their right to seek legal help when applying for Medicaid or Medicare benefits. It mandates that nursing homes include a specific statement in their communications regarding access to legal counsel for these applications. The provision would be added to public health law, requiring facilities to provide this information directly to residents. The bill focuses on increasing awareness of legal assistance options, not changing Medicaid or Medicare eligibility rules.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates nursing homes to inform residents about legal counsel for Medicaid/Medicare applications, improving access to healthcare benefits and protecting patient rights in coverage navigation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Medicaid Medicare

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Apr 20, 2026

S 9094: Prohibits the use of the pesticide paraquat

New York State bill S 9094 bans the use, sale, distribution, and purchase of all pesticides containing paraquat dichloride or its chemical forms (identified by CAS numbers 4685-14-7, 1910-42-5, and 2074-50-2). The law directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and anyone using paraquat-based herbicides in New York. It takes effect January 1, 2027, prohibiting all paraquat products after this date. The bill cites scientific evidence linking paraquat exposure to increased risks of Parkinson's disease and certain cancers, following the EPA's ongoing review of the chemical.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans paraquat, a pesticide linked to environmental harm and health risks, advancing ecosystem protection by prohibiting its use and sale.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill bans paraquat linked to Parkinson's risk, directly protecting public health by reducing exposure to a neurotoxin, aligning with healthcare protection indicators.95% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 20, 2026

A 10320: Relates to the use of airway clearance devices in schools

This bill requires schools to establish policies for using portable airway clearance devices (which remove choking blockages during emergencies) and mandates training for school nurses and employees on their use. It directly affects schools, school nurses, and staff who may need to respond to choking incidents. Key provisions include requiring schools to create usage policies, allowing school boards to reimburse training costs, and providing liability protection for volunteers who use the devices in emergencies without expecting payment. The law does not require schools to purchase devices but sets rules for their safe use if available.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates safety policies and training for choking emergencies in schools, enhancing student safety and school operational preparedness within educational environments.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires schools to implement emergency airway clearance protocols, enhancing immediate medical response in schools for choking incidents, directly improving public health service access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Feb 25, 2026

S 9295: Establishes the office of hospice and palliative care access and quality

Establishes the office of hospice and palliative care access and quality to provide expertise and input on hospice and palliative care policy development and regulation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes office to improve hospice/palliative care access and quality, directly advancing patient care services in healthcare policy development.90% confidence

Track

passed · New York · Senate Feb 25, 2026

J 1590: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 15 to June 15, 2026, as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month in New York State

This resolution requests Governor Hochul to officially designate May 15-June 15, 2026, as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month in New York State. It directly affects New Yorkers living with Tourette Syndrome by seeking to increase public awareness of the condition, reduce stigma, and promote early diagnosis and treatment. The resolution has no binding effect - it is a symbolic request for the Governor to issue a proclamation, not a new law or policy. It aligns with National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month observed by the Tourette Association of America.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePromotes Tourette Syndrome awareness to reduce stigma and encourage early treatment, supporting mental health services.80% confidence

Track

passed · New York · Senate Feb 10, 2026

J 1542: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2026, as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York

This resolution requests Governor Hochul to proclaim September 2026 as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in New York State. It aims to increase public awareness about cancers affecting women's reproductive systems (including cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers), highlighting symptoms, prevention, and screening. The resolution cites statistics showing over 113,000 annual diagnoses and 33,000 deaths from these cancers in the U.S. It does not create new laws but encourages the Governor to issue the proclamation, aligning with National Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareResolution promotes public awareness of gynecologic cancer prevention/screening, aligning with public health initiatives to improve patient outcomes and early detection efforts.85% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 12, 2026

A 10209: Establishes the office of global public health and international cooperation within the department of health

Establishes the office of global public health and international cooperation within the department of health to coordinate cooperation with international public health institutions for purposes related to public health; requires such office to submit an annual global health risk and preparedness report to the governor, the temporary president of the senate, the speaker of the assembly and the chairs of the senate and assembly health committees.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates dedicated office for global health coordination and reporting, strengthening public health infrastructure and preparedness90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Feb 17, 2026

S 9219: Relates to Medicaid accountability

Relates to improving Medicaid accountability; verifies Medicaid enrollment data; audits certain Medicaid program areas; creates managed care payment safeguards; establishes a biometric verification pilot program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens Medicaid program integrity through data verification, audits, and payment safeguards, protecting program funding and preventing fraud in healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 12, 2026

A 10252: Establishes the disability care providers fund

This bill creates a voluntary contribution option on New York's personal income tax returns, allowing taxpayers to donate any whole dollar amount to the Disability Care Providers Fund. The fund, managed by state tax and finance officials, collects these contributions (which do not reduce a taxpayer's state tax liability) and uses the money exclusively to support disability care providers as defined in New York's mental hygiene law. Annual reports detail how funds are spent, including recipient names, amounts awarded, and purposes. The bill directly affects taxpayers who choose to contribute and disability care providers receiving funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesVoluntary tax contribution creates new fund for disability care providers, advancing public service funding through tax mechanism90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates voluntary tax fund to support disability care providers under mental hygiene law, directly funding healthcare services for disability care and mental health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tags People with Disabilities

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 20, 2026

A 10275: Relates to employee mental health services

Establishes an employee mental health services program for all employees who work for the department of corrections and community supervision and all employees of the office of mental health who deliver services to incarcerated individuals overseen by the department of corrections and community supervision.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes mandatory mental health services program for correctional and mental health staff, directly expanding access to healthcare services for employees.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes mental health program for correctional/mental health staff, enhancing workplace safety and employee well-being per Labor & Employment standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track