Healthcare

in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 2, 2026

A 5361: Relates to access to and signage for lactation rooms in public buildings

This bill requires state-owned public buildings in New York (open to the public) to provide designated lactation rooms for breastfeeding or expressing milk, meeting specific standards like privacy, lighting, and access to water and electricity. It mandates clear, visible signage for these rooms and creates a public directory listing all locations, updated every six months. The law applies to state facilities managed by the Office of General Services and exempts buildings where creating a room would be unreasonably costly or require new construction. It directly affects nursing parents using public buildings and state agencies responsible for building operations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates lactation rooms in public buildings, improving access to maternal health services and supporting breastfeeding mothers' healthcare needs.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7293: Relates to the rights of former outpatients of mental health facilities to have files sealed after ten years

Authorizes former outpatients of mental health facilities to request a court of competent jurisdiction to render an order to have their files sealed when more than ten years have elapsed since the last treatment in such facility, they are not currently being treated for mental illness and it would be in the best interests of the petitioner and society to seal such record without the requirement of a special proceeding.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeSealing mental health records aids reintegration, reducing barriers to employment and housing - aligning with criminal justice reform goals to lower recidivism and protect civil rights.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects mental health patient rights by enabling record sealing after 10 years, aligning with patient privacy safeguards in healthcare.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Mental Health

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vetoed · New York · Assembly Oct 17, 2025

A 7321: Requires health insurers to provide coverage for speech therapy for stuttering

This bill (A 7321) would require New York health insurers to cover speech therapy for stuttering when recommended by a physician. It applies to all medical, major medical, and similar insurance plans, eliminating limits on the number of therapy sessions or visits. Coverage must be provided by licensed professionals and clarifies that school-based therapy (like IEPs) does not affect medical coverage for therapy outside educational settings. The bill was vetoed by the governor in October 2025 and did not become law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurer coverage for speech therapy for stuttering, eliminating session limits and expanding access to medical care for a specific condition.95% confidence

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passed both · New York · Assembly Mar 5, 2026

A 4591: Relates to hospital care for mastectomy, lumpectomy, and lymph node dissection patients

Requires that general hospitals that provide mastectomy surgery, lymph node dissection or lumpectomy provide information to such patients concerning options for breast reconstruction.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires hospitals to provide breast reconstruction options information to patients, improving patient access and rights in surgical care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 21, 2025

A 678: Allows pharmacy technicians to practice in any pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist

Bill A 678 amends existing education law regarding registered pharmacy technicians. Currently, these technicians are limited to practicing in specific types of licensed facilities or pharmacies owned by such facilities. This bill expands their scope, allowing registered pharmacy technicians to assist licensed pharmacists in *any* pharmacy. They must continue to operate under the direct personal supervision of a licensed pharmacist, performing tasks that do not require professional judgment, such as compounding or labeling drugs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands pharmacy technician scope to any pharmacy under supervision, improving staffing flexibility and patient access to pharmacy services without requiring professional judgment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6967: Directs the commissioner of health to promulgate rules and regulations to reduce the diversion of addiction medications

Directs the commissioner of the department of health to promulgate rules and regulations promoting recovery from opioid misuse and reducing diversion of addiction medicines.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes opioid recovery programs and reduces diversion of addiction meds, advancing public health initiatives in healthcare access and treatment services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7357: Requires hospital and emergency room physicians to notify a patient's prescriber that such patient is being treated for a controlled substance overdose

Requires hospital and emergency room physicians to consult the prescription monitoring program registry and to notify a patient's prescriber that such patient is being treated for a controlled substance overdose.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requires physicians to notify prescribers for controlled substance overdose treatment, improving care coordination and public health response to opioid crisis, supporting healthcare access and safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 28, 2025

A 901: Establishes the aging in place task force, and provides for its powers and duties

This bill (A 901) creates an aging in place task force within the Office for the Aging to study how the state can help older adults remain in their homes and communities. The task force will examine specific areas like transportation improvements, zoning changes for home care, nutrition programs, fraud protections, home medical care, tax incentives, and private insurance options. Composed of 14 members including state agency leaders and legislative appointees, the task force must report its findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature by January 1, 2028. The bill does not create new programs but directs the state to study existing policies and potential changes to support aging in place.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly lists 'tax incentives' as a study area for the aging task force, indicating support for tax policy solutions to address housing needs.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExamines home medical care access and private insurance options to support aging in place, aligning with healthcare access indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 15, 2026

S 6972: Relates to the topics of the course required to be taken by practitioners certifying patients as eligible for medical cannabis

Relates to the topics of the course required to be taken by practitioners certifying patients as eligible for medical cannabis; establishes the endocannabinoid system awareness program; requires the office of cannabis awareness and the department of health to publish information about the endocannabinoid system awareness program on their websites.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes endocannabinoid system awareness program for medical cannabis certification, improving practitioner knowledge and patient access to healthcare services.85% confidence

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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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