Relates to utilization review program standards; requires use of evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review criteria; relates to prescription drug formulary changes and pre-authorization for certain health care services.
Asm. Demond Meeks
Sponsored bills
Establishes the "New York state lead-safe renovation, repair and painting act"; establishes standards for lead-safe renovation, repair and painting of residential properties; requires documentation of compliance with such standards.
Provides for the creation of an ebony alert system to be activated on behalf of Black youth who are reported missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, at risk, developmentally disabled, or cognitively impaired, or who have been abducted.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires chain restaurants with 15+ locations in New York to display a specific sodium warning icon and text next to menu items exceeding 2,300mg of sodium (the daily recommended limit). The warning states: "Warning indicates that the sodium (salt) content of this item is higher than the total daily recommended limit (2300 mg)." Chain restaurants must report sodium content for menu items quarterly, and the state health department must develop the required icon within one year. Violations carry a $250 daily penalty per non-compliant location. The requirement applies to standard menu items, including combo meals, but exempts restaurants already using comparable sodium labels under other jurisdictions.
Directs the commissioner of health to conduct a study to identify, analyze, report, and medically combat new or previously unseen opiate/opioid compounds found in overdose patients in New York state for the purpose of establishing more efficient overdose medical treatment protocols.
Maddy summaryThis bill is an Assembly Resolution that formally honors 33 veterans who received the Purple Heart medal and are buried at the New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes. The resolution designates May 25, 2026, as a special day to recognize these individuals during a ceremony coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States. It acknowledges the bravery of these service members and directs copies of the resolution to the cemetery's volunteer organization and the families of the deceased.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a certification program for employers to become "recovery ready workplaces" (RRWs), directly affecting employers across all industries and their employees with substance use disorders (SUDs). To earn certification, employers must implement specific measures including onsite naloxone availability, mandatory training for supervisors on SUDs and prevention, workplace stress reduction strategies, and comprehensive health coverage for SUD treatment equal to physical health care. The program requires collaboration with unions and recovery organizations, along with policies ensuring confidentiality and reasonable accommodations for employees in recovery. Certification criteria also mandate connecting with local recovery resources and assessing workplace culture to support employees seeking treatment.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new pathway for foreign-trained dentists to obtain a New York license. It allows dentists licensed outside the U.S. (who can't qualify for licensure by endorsement) to receive a limited permit to practice under supervision in federally qualified health centers serving underserved populations, provided they have at least five years of dental experience. After completing five years of practice under this limited permit, they may apply for full licensure. The permit is valid for one year (renewable annually during a residency or preceptorship) and requires passing a competency exam. This directly affects international dentists seeking to practice in New York, particularly in areas with dental health shortages.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A 9571) increases family leave benefits under New York's workers' compensation law, directly affecting eligible employees taking leave for medical care, bonding with a newborn, or military family exigencies. It gradually raises weekly benefit percentages (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum leave duration (from 8 to 12 weeks) over time, with specific phased-in dates starting in 2018. Covered employers must provide these enhanced benefits while maintaining health insurance coverage during leave. The changes apply to employees meeting eligibility criteria under the law, with the Superintendent of Financial Services retaining limited authority to delay increases.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's criminal procedure law to allow the expungement (removal from criminal records) of certain convictions related to syringe possession. It specifically covers convictions for offenses under Penal Law sections 222.10, 222.15, 222.25, 222.45, or for violations under former Penal Law section 220.45 prior to this bill's effective date. The key mechanism adds a new provision to the law making these convictions eligible for expungement. This directly affects individuals previously convicted under these specific syringe possession statutes.