Sen. Robert Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensing framework for vision impairment specialists in New York State, directly affecting professionals who provide specialized services to individuals with visual disabilities. It creates a dedicated state board composed of licensed specialists, medical doctors, public representatives, and blind community members to oversee the profession and set standards. The legislation defines two specific roles, orientation and mobility specialists and vision rehabilitation therapists, outlining their duties such as training clients in safe movement, independent living skills, and the use of adaptive devices. By requiring formal licensure and creating a regulatory board, the bill aims to standardize training requirements and ensure consistent quality of care for visually impaired persons.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pharmacists to replace brand-name epinephrine auto-injectors with lower-cost generic versions when treating patients. The substitution is permitted only if the generic product contains the same active ingredients and strength, the doctor has not explicitly requested the brand name, and the patient agrees to the switch after being informed of the option. Additionally, the pharmacist must provide counseling on how to properly use the device. The law aims to reduce costs for purchasers while ensuring that the medical device remains effective and safe.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state agencies to donate personal property, such as furniture or equipment, to qualified not-for-profit organizations. To receive these donations, the organizations must be registered as 501(c)(3) entities and current on their annual filings. The law requires state agencies to keep records of all such disposals and subject them to audit, while also specifying how proceeds from sales must be handled. This change provides an additional option for agencies to manage excess assets without needing to sell them or reuse them internally.

Relates to conducting investigations into the administration and enforcement of the New York state uniform fire prevention and building code and the New York state energy conservation construction code by counties.

Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.

Provides for the award of reasonable attorneys' fees in FOIL proceedings if the person is successful and in open meeting proceedings to the successful petitioner and against the public body.

Provides increases in the rates of payment for certified home health agencies; directs the commissioner of health to establish minimum standards and a minimum benchmark for home care service payments by any Medicaid payor.

Relates to the salaries of certain teachers and aides employed by boards of cooperative educational services; puts limits on certain administrative and clerical expenses.

Establishes liaison officers, regional contacts and campus contacts to assist college students experiencing homelessness to find housing; prioritizes access to housing; waives certain fees for students experiencing homelessness; establishes a pilot program to increase enrollment, attendance and success in college for students experiencing homelessness.

Enacts the health care professional transparency act; prohibits health care professionals from using deceptive or misleading advertising; establishes a public awareness campaign to improve transparency and understanding of information about health care practitioners.