Replaces the term addict with the term person with substance use disorder
This bill changes the language in New York's Public Health Law by replacing the term "addict" with "person with substance use disorder" in sections governing medical treatment. It specifically affects healthcare practitioners who prescribe controlled substances for maintenance or detoxification treatment, ensuring they reference patients as "person with substance use disorder" instead of "addict" in legal documents. The key mechanism is a simple terminology update within existing prescribing provisions, aiming to use more clinical and less stigmatizing language. This change aligns with broader efforts to reduce stigma in healthcare communication.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Jan 2026
Assembly Passage
Feb 2026
Signed into Law
Feb 2026
Introduced Jan 8, 2026
Signed Feb 13, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Jan 21, 2026 · Assembly Feb 5, 2026
How they voted
53–3
Passed · 5 other
Total votes 61
Jan 21, 2026
D
Democratic39
89% Yea
R
Republican22
81% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
11
Key actions
3
Committee
2
Feb 13, 2026
Signed into law
SIGNED CHAP.42
upper
Feb 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
PASSED ASSEMBLY
lower
Jan 21, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO HEALTH
lower
Jan 21, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Jan 8, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO RULES
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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