Asm. Steven Raga

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public water systems serving at least 15 year-round residents to replace every lead service line (the pipe connecting a water main to a building) by November 1, 2037. It directly affects homeowners, renters, and property owners in communities with lead pipes, as water systems must cover all replacement costs at no direct charge to customers - though water rate increases may fund the program. Water systems must offer free replacement, provide access to properties for work, and allow property owners 45 days to opt out by handling their portion themselves (with inspection). The law also defines "lead status unknown" lines and prohibits partial replacements that leave lead pipe in place.

Requires individuals who practice the profession of dental therapy to be licensed and registered in the state; provides Medicaid reimbursement for dental therapy services.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new requirements for who can supervise mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists in New York. It specifies that supervisors must have at least three years of active licensure, diagnostic privileges, and 36 hours of specialized training in supervision ethics. The bill also clarifies that supervised experience gained under certain department waivers - such as in settings operating under temporary authorization - can count toward licensing requirements. These changes apply directly to professionals seeking licensure and those providing supervision in the mental health counseling field.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large group health insurance plans to cover the cost of hearing aids when medically necessary, directly affecting insured individuals with hearing loss. Insurers must cover hearing aids dispensed by registered audiologists or hearing aid dispensers after a medical evaluation, with a $2,500 annual limit per ear every 36 months. The law prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on hearing aid brand, style, or circuit type and mandates in-network provider coverage. It applies to all relevant policies issued or renewed after its effective date (January 1 following enactment).

Provides that persons charged with a parking violation shall be able to make an electronic court appearance unless a locality elects not to permit electronic appearances.

Establishes a 14 member doula Medicaid reimbursement work group within the department of health to set reimbursement rates for doulas in the state Medicaid program and address other criteria related to their practice; requires the work group to conduct a study and evaluate the costs, benefits and issues that may be associated with Medicaid reimbursement for doulas and for providing doula care to Medicaid recipients; makes related provisions.

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.

Relates to the duty owed by cities and counties to children in the legal custody of such cities and counties with respect to the placement of children; provides a statutory private right of action for compensatory damage.

Relates to physician charges for missed appointments by patients; bars physicians from charging fees if a patient arrives on time for appointment but was not seen; requires written policy about missed appointments be prominently posted in patient waiting room and included in bills mailed to patients.

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.