Asm. Rebecca Seawright

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.

Relates to extreme risk protection orders; defines "exception"; authorizes a police officer or district attorney to file an application for an extreme risk protection order if found that a person meets the requirements of an exception pursuant to section 6340 of the civil practice law and rules; makes related provisions.

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.

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.

Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons; establishes mandatory continuing education requirements.

Establishes an affordable independent senior housing assistance program which shall provide grants within amounts appropriated or otherwise available therefor to affordable independent senior housing properties to establish and operate resident assistance programs.

Requires employment and consumer dispute arbitrations to be submitted to neutral third party arbitrators; establishes prohibited arbitration agreements and provisions; requires disclosure of information by certain arbitrators.

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.

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.