Healthcare (Public Health)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3768: Allows for reimbursement of transportation costs for emergency care without prior authorization by the social services official

Allows for reimbursement of transportation costs for emergency care without prior authorization by the social services official including emergency medical transportation by an ambulance service certified under article 30 of the public health law; authorizes the commissioner of health to establish a reimbursement methodology to ensure providers are reimbursed.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves prior authorization requirement for emergency transport reimbursement, improving patient access to care without bureaucratic delays.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3807: Relates to prohibiting mandatory COVID-19 vaccination and enacts a vaccine bill of rights

Prohibits mandatory COVID-19 vaccination; limits civil liability of employers; prohibits requiring vaccination for education, employment, travel or other activities; enacts a vaccine bill of rights.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareProhibits mandatory vaccination mandates, restricting public health program implementation and limiting a key tool for disease prevention in healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3713: Establishes a support team assisted response pilot program

Establishes a support team assisted response pilot program in any city with a population of one million or more for the purpose of providing emergency response services for mental health, substance use and other non-criminal public health emergencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRedirects mental health/substance use emergencies from police response to specialized teams, reducing unnecessary criminal justice involvement - aligns with reform goals of diverting non-criminal crises from law enforcement.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes emergency response for mental health/substance use crises, directly advancing mental health services as a core purpose per topic description.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4839: Requires OPWDD to purchase and provide essential PPE to all mental health providers in the event of a declaration of a state emergency that relates to public health

Requires OPWDD to purchase and provide essential personal protection equipment to all direct support professionals, care recipients and group home providers in the event of a declaration of a state emergency that relates to public health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides PPE to mental health providers during public health emergencies, protecting healthcare workers and ensuring service continuity in crisis situations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 13, 2026

S 5538: Relates to automatic eligibility for early intervention services for children found to have elevated venous blood lead levels

This bill (S 5538) automatically qualifies children with elevated blood lead levels (5 mcg/dl or higher in venous blood tests) for early intervention services under New York's public health law. It amends the definition of "disability" to include such lead exposure, ensuring these children receive support without additional screening or evaluation. The key mechanism adds lead levels to the list of conditions that trigger automatic eligibility for services like therapy or developmental support. This change directly affects young children diagnosed with lead exposure, streamlining access to critical early care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAutomatically qualifies children with lead exposure for early intervention services, expanding access to public health programs without additional screening or evaluation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5724: Requires the immunization of certain post-secondary students against hepatitis B

This bill amends New York's public health law to require hepatitis B vaccination for certain post-secondary students. It adds hepatitis B to the list of immunizations already mandated for measles, mumps, and rubella under existing health standards. The law specifies that required doses must meet U.S. public health service standards and state department approval. The change takes effect on July 1st following enactment, applying to students at colleges and universities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandating hepatitis B vaccination expands public health requirements, strengthening disease prevention efforts under healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3662: Requires the purchase of personal protective equipment and medical supplies produced or manufactured in the state of New York in certain circumstances

Requires all contracts over fifty thousand dollars in value made and awarded by any department, agency or authority of the state for the purchase of personal protective equipment or medical supplies shall require that the personal protective equipment or medical supply items be produced or made in whole or substantial part in the state of New York during the existence of a disaster emergency involving an epidemic, pandemic or similar disease outbreak.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates in-state PPE/supply procurement during health emergencies, strengthening public health response infrastructure during pandemics.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 9, 2025

S 3437: Relates to prohibiting the establishment of new for-profit hospices

S 3437 prohibits the approval of any new for-profit hospices or expansions of existing for-profit hospice capacity. It directly affects for-profit hospice operators by banning new licenses and preventing increases in beds or services for currently operating for-profit facilities. The bill amends public health law to require all hospice approvals (on or after its effective date) to exclude for-profit models entirely. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareProhibits new for-profit hospices and expansions, restricting healthcare access options in end-of-life care by limiting provider models.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3074: Requires reporting of positive cytomegalovirus results

This bill requires local health departments to immediately notify a newborn's pediatrician and parents when a positive cytomegalovirus (CMV) test is identified in a newborn. It mandates confirmatory urine testing for infants under three weeks old and ensures follow-up care by a pediatric infectious disease specialist before the baby turns four weeks old, including head measurements, eye exams, hearing tests, and blood work. The law also adds CMV to the list of reportable communicable diseases under public health regulations. This directly affects newborns with CMV, their parents, pediatricians, and hospital staff responsible for reporting and care coordination.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates early CMV detection, follow-up care, and adds to reportable diseases, improving newborn health services access and public health monitoring.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Hospitals Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2648: Provides public access to epinephrine auto-injector devices at schools

This bill (A2648) requires all New York schools - including public, charter, and non-public elementary and secondary schools - to maintain and manage epinephrine auto-injector devices for emergency use. Schools must follow specific guidelines: regularly test devices per manufacturer standards, notify regional health councils of device locations, and post clear signage at building entrances indicating where devices are stored. The law designates schools as "public access epinephrine auto-injector device providers" under existing public health law, ensuring devices are accessible during allergic reactions. It takes effect 90 days after enactment, focusing on practical, standardized access without altering medical protocols.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates schools to maintain epinephrine auto-injectors for emergency allergic reactions, directly improving access to critical healthcare services in public settings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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