Healthcare (Public Health)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 731: Waives a registration fee for basic life support first response agencies

This bill waives the $200 biennial registration fee for basic life support first response agencies, including volunteer ambulance services that provide emergency medical care without patient transport. It directly affects these agencies by removing a cost requirement for maintaining their registration under New York's public health law. The key provision amends existing law to exempt these specific agencies from paying the fee when applying for or renewing their registration certificate. The change applies immediately upon enactment and simplifies administrative costs for these community-based emergency response providers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareWaives $200 fee for emergency medical agencies, reducing operational costs to maintain services and improve access to emergency care under public health law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6857: Relates to the HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 viruses

This bill adds HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 viruses to New York's public health department's health education and outreach program, requiring the department to provide virus-specific information on diagnosis, treatment, and community support services. It mandates that clinics specializing in sexually transmitted diseases, hospitals, and correctional facilities receive updated, culturally appropriate materials tailored to each virus's distinct health needs. The materials must include details on support groups, respite care, and care management, reflecting current best practices. The law takes effect 120 days after enactment, with necessary rules to be implemented before that date.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates public health department to add HTLV-1/2 to education program, requiring virus-specific materials for diagnosis, treatment, and support at healthcare facilities, advancing public health outreach.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · New York · Senate May 19, 2025

S 1814: Replaces the words addict and addicts with the words persons with substance use disorder or a variation thereof

This bill updates various state laws by replacing the terms "addict" and "addicts" with "person with substance use disorder" or similar variations. It amends sections of the judiciary law, mental hygiene law, and public health law to reflect this change. This affects legal proceedings, medical treatment, and official definitions related to individuals experiencing substance use challenges. The primary aim is to standardize person-first language across relevant statutes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareUpdates terminology to person-first language in mental health/public health laws, reducing stigma and supporting patient-centered care in substance use treatment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 31: Relates to creating the health emergency response data system

Relates to creating the health emergency response data system, which collects information and statistical data relating to public health emergencies in order to assist the department of health, other government entities, health care providers, and the public in understanding and responding to public health emergencies.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates data system to enhance public health emergency response, strengthening public health program infrastructure and aiding department of health coordination.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3256: Requires employers to notify employees if they come into contact with other employees who have been infected with a virus that is causing a public health emergency

Requires employers to notify employees if they come into contact with other employees who have been diagnosed in relation to a disease outbreak causing a public health emergency; prohibits employers from disclosing the name of the diagnosed employee.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates employer notification during public health emergencies to prevent disease spread, directly supporting public health programs under healthcare topic.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires employers to notify employees of virus exposure risks, enhancing workplace safety protections without disclosing personal health information, directly advancing worker safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2275: Relates to the availability and use of opioid antagonists on trains

This bill requires all trains and train stations operated by public transit authorities in New York to have opioid antagonists (like naloxone) available for overdose emergencies. It directly affects public transit systems, mandating that they stock these medications and provide employee training on their use. Key provisions include amending the Railroad Law to add opioid antagonists to required first-aid kits on locomotives and updating public health and transit authority laws to require the availability of naloxone and staff training. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment, with implementation plans due within 180 days for some authorities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires naloxone availability on trains for overdose emergencies, improving emergency healthcare access and public health response.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates opioid antagonist availability on public transit systems, enhancing transportation safety protocols for passengers and staff on trains.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse Public Transit Rail

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in committee · New York · Assembly Sep 8, 2025

A 3617: Enacts the "Jamie Rose care provider act"

This bill requires specific health care facilities - including home care agencies, hospices, health maintenance organizations, and shared health facilities - to create written policies for identifying, assessing, and referring suspected or confirmed domestic violence cases. It mandates staff training for clinical and security personnel, coordination with local domestic violence victim assistance organizations, and advising patients about available support services. The law excludes hospitals (as defined in public health law) and directs the health commissioner to develop model policies and identify local victim assistance organizations. These requirements take effect one year after enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates healthcare facilities to create domestic violence protocols, staff training, and patient referrals - enhancing patient safety and support services within healthcare, aligning with protecting patient rights and improving care access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 30, 2026

A 5460: Allows medical assistants to administer vaccines

This bill allows medical assistants to administer vaccines in outpatient clinics under the direct supervision of a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. It requires that vaccines be recommended by the CDC and that medical assistants complete appropriate training and supervision as defined by state regulations. The law directly affects medical assistants, healthcare providers, and patients in outpatient settings by expanding the scope of practice for medical assistants in vaccine administration. It amends the Education Law and Public Health Law to establish these specific conditions for vaccine delegation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands vaccine access by allowing medical assistants to administer under supervision, improving patient access to immunization services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing Public Health

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vetoed · New York · Senate Oct 16, 2025

S 1720: Establishes an awareness campaign on the use of hormone replacement therapy in treating the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause

S 1720 would have required New York's public health department to launch an awareness campaign about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for perimenopause and menopause symptoms. The campaign would have provided women directly affected by these symptoms with plain-language information on HRT benefits, risks, side effects, available types, and current medical recommendations. The bill specifically mandated that the campaign cover symptom management, health risks, and evidence-based usage guidelines for HRT. However, the bill was vetoed by the governor on October 16, 2025, so it did not become law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates public health awareness campaign on HRT benefits/risks, improving patient access to evidence-based information for menopause care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3341: Allows personal caregivers to visit residents of adult care facilities

This bill amends New York State laws to allow personal caregivers to visit residents of nursing homes and adult care facilities at any time, not just during public health emergencies. It removes previous restrictions that limited visits to emergency periods, requiring facilities to admit compliant caregivers without time limitations. The change applies to all caregivers meeting federal and state health regulations, ensuring facilities cannot deny access based on outdated emergency rules. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, directly impacting caregivers and residents in these facilities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves visitation restrictions for caregivers in healthcare facilities, improving patient access to support networks per healthcare access indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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