Relates to requirements for medical professionals and health care facilities that provide medication to patients for medical aid in dying; extends the initial effectiveness of certain provisions relating thereto.
This bill establishes New York's "Medical Aid in Dying Act," allowing terminally ill adults (18+) with decision-making capacity to request and self-administer medication to end their life. To qualify, a patient must have a terminal illness confirmed by two physicians (the attending physician and a consulting physician) and make an informed decision after being fully informed of alternatives, risks, and outcomes. The process requires an oral request, a written request signed by the patient and witnessed by two non-conflicted adults (not relatives or beneficiaries), and includes the right to rescind the request at any time. The bill also mandates documentation, safe disposal of unused medication, and state reporting.
Provides that the prescribing, dispensing, or receipt of mifepristone or any drug used for medication abortion shall not be considered a criminal conversion act under certain circumstances; provides that mifepristone or any drug used for medication abortion shall not be deemed to be adulterated or misbranded under certain circumstances.
Protects individuals who provide or receive legally protected health activity, including reproductive health care and gender-affirming care, from criminal or civil liability or professional sanctions imposed by jurisdictions outside the state.
Provides for the protection of health information; establishes requirements for communications to individuals about their health information; requires either written consent or a designated necessary purpose for the processing of an individual's health information.
Relates to providing information to patients and the public on hospital rule-based exclusions; requires the commissioner of health to collect from each hospital a list of its hospital rule-based exclusions and publish such information on the department's website.
This bill (A 2177) removes the cost of emergency medical services (EMS) from the property tax levy limit that local governments (like cities and towns) must follow. It directly affects municipalities that fund EMS services, allowing them to cover these costs without triggering the tax cap. The key change adds a specific exemption in law, so EMS expenditures no longer count toward the maximum tax levy allowed under current rules. This provides local governments with more budget flexibility for essential emergency response services.
Requires public notice and public engagement when a general hospital seeks to close entirely or a unit that provides maternity, mental health or substance use care.
Relates to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies covering care for other mental health services.
S 123 bans the sale of infant walkers by all sellers (manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and secondhand dealers) in New York State. It also restricts the use of infant walkers in child care facilities, requiring medical necessity approval from a professional for any exception. Child care facilities must receive plain-language notice about the ban and follow rules set by the Office of Children and Family Services. The law allows the attorney general to enforce the ban through injunctions and impose civil penalties for violations.