Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 11, 2025

S 4963: Requires the superintendent of financial services to promulgate regulations which provide standardized definitions for commonly used terms and phrases in certain insurance policies

Requires the superintendent to promulgate regulations which provide standardized definitions for commonly used terms and phrases in certain insurance policies.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareStandardized insurance definitions improve clarity and consumer understanding of coverage terms, aligning with patient rights protection in healthcare insurance policies.75% confidence

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signed · New York · Assembly Jun 26, 2025

A 8479: Extends provisions of law relating to applied behavioral analysis

This bill extends a 2013 law allowing behavior analysts employed in state-regulated programs (such as those under the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Office of Children and Family Services, or Office of Mental Health) to perform their duties without violating licensing restrictions. It specifically clarifies that this extension does not authorize the use of certain titles defined under education law. The provision is temporary and will expire on July 1, 2030, after which the previous restrictions will resume. The bill affects licensed behavior analysts working in these state-funded or regulated programs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExtends ABA provider authorization in mental health programs (OMH), enabling continued service access without licensing barriers, supporting mental health care delivery.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

in committee · New York · Senate Mar 13, 2026

S 710: Relates to eligibility for the temporary assistance to needy families block grant program, safety net assistance and medical assistance for certain noncitizens

Relates to eligibility for the temporary assistance to needy families block grant program, safety net assistance and medical assistance for certain noncitizens.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill addresses eligibility for medical assistance, directly expanding healthcare access for certain noncitizens under public health programs.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8339: Requires the state education department to develop a model mental health training program to serve as the mental health component of required school safety trainings

Requires the state education department to develop a model mental health training program to serve as the mental health component of required school safety trainings as part of comprehensive district-wide safety plans developed by each district-wide school safety team.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates mental health training in school safety programs, enhancing student well-being and support services as part of required district safety plans.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health training integration into school safety programs, directly advancing mental health services in educational settings per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 3, 2026

A 9156: Prohibits the sale of 7-hydroxymitragynine products

This New York bill prohibits the sale of products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (a compound found in some kratom products) when concentrated above 400 parts per million. It directly affects businesses - including stores, online platforms, and other sellers - operating within New York State that sell such products. The law imposes civil fines of up to $3,000 for a first violation and $6,500 for repeat offenses, with collected funds directed to New York's drug treatment and public education programs. The bill defines prohibited products broadly to include any substance, extract, or finished good containing the compound at the specified level.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFines from violations fund drug treatment and public education programs, directly supporting healthcare initiatives as per bill's funding allocation.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7981: Relates to the performance of medical services by physician assistants

Relates to the performance of medical services by physician assistants; provides that a physician assistant may practice without the supervision of a physician when such physician assistant is employed by a health system or hospital and is credentialed and given privileges by such health system or hospital, or when such physician assistant is licensed, has practiced for more than six thousand hours, is practicing in primary care, and is performing certain functions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands physician assistant practice autonomy in hospitals/primary care, improving patient access to healthcare services without physician supervision.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medical Licensing Primary Care

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 7460: Directs the commissioner of health to establish at least 4 maternal-infant care centers in areas of need for infants suffering from drug withdrawal as a result of in utero exposure

Directs the commissioner of health to establish at least 4 maternal-infant care centers in areas of need for infants suffering from drug withdrawal as a result of in utero exposure.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes maternal-infant care centers for drug-exposed infants, expanding specialized healthcare access and addressing public health needs.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4721: Provides that the failure by the utilization review agent to make a determination within certain time periods shall be deemed to be an approval of the health care services

Provides that the failure by the utilization review agent to make a determination within certain time periods shall be deemed to be an approval of the health care services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents delays in healthcare service approvals by deeming late decisions as automatic approval, improving patient access to covered services.95% confidence

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4854: Prohibits the packaging, sale and distribution of confectionery and candy designed to resemble a tobacco product

This bill (S 4854) prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of candy or confectionery products designed to look like tobacco products, such as chocolate cigarettes or gum cigars. It specifically bans packaging, branding, or marketing that mimics tobacco products (e.g., cigarette-shaped candy or tobacco-like labels). The law applies to all candy types, including gum, chocolate bars, and mints, and imposes civil fines of $100-$500 for violations. It directly affects candy manufacturers, sellers, and distributors who create or market products resembling tobacco items.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBans candy resembling tobacco products to prevent youth tobacco initiation, a direct public health measure targeting smoking prevention and reducing health risks.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2338: Relates to eliminating certain surcharges for the licensing of service dogs

This bill allows New York municipalities to eliminate fees and surcharges for licensing service dogs (including guide, hearing, therapy, and working dogs). It requires local governments to exempt these specific dogs from standard licensing costs related to animal control. Licenses for exempted dogs must be clearly marked with their purpose (e.g., "Service Dog"). The policy change directly affects service dog owners by removing a financial barrier to legal licensing.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEliminates municipal surcharges for service dog licensing, providing tax relief by removing a financial barrier for owners.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves financial barrier for service dogs (including therapy dogs for mental health), improving access to health assistance tools for individuals with disabilities.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing

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