Enacts the lab services accessibility act

Bill A 482, titled the "lab services accessibility act," amends the public health law concerning clinical laboratory services. It expands the list of entities permitted to make payments for these services. Specifically, it allows nonprofit clinics, healthcare providers, and health services facilitators to pay for lab services when supporting a "public health program." These programs are broadly defined to include services supported by public funds or addressing recognized public health needs, such as confidential testing, services for underserved populations, or epidemic responses. The bill also transfers the authority for adopting and amending related rules from the public health council to the department.