Healthcare

passed · New York · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 1619: Allows a licensed pharmacist to order and administer certain tests

This bill allows licensed pharmacists to order and administer specific medical tests, including COVID-19, flu, RSV, strep throat, HbA1c, hepatitis C, and HIV tests, all authorized by the FDA. It directly affects pharmacists (expanding their clinical role) and patients (increasing access to convenient testing). The law requires tests to meet FDA authorization and federal "waiver" requirements, aligning pharmacists with qualified health professionals under existing public health law. The bill modifies prior 2022 legislation but includes a sunset provision, with most provisions set to expire on July 1, 2028.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands pharmacist clinical role to increase patient access to FDA-authorized testing, improving healthcare access and convenience per bill summary.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 3029: Provides for the licensing of genetic counselors; creates the state board for genetic counseling

S 3029 establishes a licensing system for genetic counselors in New York and creates a State Board for Genetic Counseling. To practice as a genetic counselor or use the title "genetic counselor," individuals must obtain a license by meeting requirements including a master's degree in genetic counseling, passing an exam, and demonstrating relevant experience. The bill prohibits unlicensed practice and restricts the title to licensed professionals, while defining genetic counseling as providing education about genetic risks and testing - without diagnosing or treating medical conditions. The State Board, composed of five licensed genetic counselors, one physician, and one public representative, will oversee licensing standards and professional conduct. This directly affects genetic counselors seeking to practice in New York and ensures consistent educational and professional standards for the public.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes licensing standards for genetic counselors, ensuring qualified professionals provide healthcare services, strengthening service quality and patient safety in genetic counseling.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Feb 4, 2026

S 355: Provides for program eligibility for plans comparable to Medicare part D

Relates to program eligibility for plans comparable to Medicare part D; provides for analysis of health plans by the department of health to determine whether such health plans meet or exceed the Medicare part D standard; requires the department of health, in consultation with the department of financial services, to notify prescription drug insurers of the provisions of this act.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires health plans to meet or exceed Medicare Part D standards, strengthening prescription drug coverage access and patient protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 4, 2026

S 1918: Establishes a specialized health home program to serve certain individuals with physical disabilities

Establishes a specialized health home program to serve certain individuals with physical disabilities who are Medicaid eligible adults eighteen years of age or older with a diagnosis of a neurological, muscular, or neuromuscular condition, and a mobility impairment; provides that a specialized health home shall be reimbursed on a fee-for-service basis and shall receive enhanced rates of payment; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates Medicaid-funded specialized health home program for disabled adults with enhanced provider reimbursement, expanding access and funding for disability-related care.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 3, 2026

S 4816: Includes Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases as occupational diseases for purposes of workers' compensation

Includes Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases as occupational diseases for purposes of workers' compensation; clarifies that disability includes disability caused by Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases; requires insurance coverage of long term medical care for Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for long-term medical care of Lyme/tick-borne diseases, expanding health coverage for affected workers under workers' compensation.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands workers' compensation to cover Lyme disease as occupational illness, requiring insurance coverage for long-term medical care, strengthening worker benefits and protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 3, 2026

S 11: Requires disclosure of information concerning non-invasive prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities

Requires disclosure of information concerning non-invasive prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities including the benefits and limitations of non-invasive prenatal testing, the difference between non-invasive prenatal testing and prenatal diagnostic testing, and current recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG).

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires disclosure of prenatal screening info to patients, aligning with patient rights and informed healthcare decisions per ACOG/ACMG guidelines.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1812: Relates to the certification of innovative statewide substance use disorder treatment services

This bill creates a certification process for organizations providing in-home substance use disorder treatment services in New York. It requires applicants (including out-of-state entities registered with the state) to meet specific clinical standards, including conducting screenings for overdose risk, mental health conditions, and suicide risk. Certified providers must implement safety plans, medication-assisted treatment, naloxone access, and regular recovery planning. The law aims to standardize and expand access to in-home treatment while ensuring providers meet defined safety and clinical requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires certified substance use treatment with overdose risk screening and medication-assisted treatment, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce recidivism through rehabilitation.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates clinical standards including mental health screenings, medication-assisted treatment, naloxone access, and safety plans for substance use disorder care, strengthening treatment protocols and patient safety.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 1703: Authorizes pharmacists to administer injections for contraceptive use

This bill allows New York pharmacists to administer FDA-approved progestin-only contraceptive injections, expanding access to this specific form of birth control. It requires pharmacists to complete training, provide patient screening questionnaires and fact sheets about clinical considerations, and notify a patient's primary care provider (unless the patient opts out). The policy directly affects patients seeking contraception and pharmacists who will administer the injections. Key safety mechanisms include mandatory screenings, provider notifications, and pharmacist discretion to refuse service if health risks are identified.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands access to contraceptive services via pharmacists, directly improving patient access to healthcare without restrictions.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4801: Relates to the amount of state aid reimbursement for public health services by a municipality in the city of New York

Relates to the amount of state aid reimbursement for public health services by a municipality in the city of New York when the municipality is providing some or all of certain identified core public health services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill specifies state aid reimbursement amounts for NYC municipalities providing core public health services, ensuring continued funding for these programs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1773: Prohibits state contracts with contractors who do not provide health insurance which covers supplemental breast cancer screenings

Prohibits state contracts with contractors who do not provide health insurance which covers supplemental breast cancer screenings; authorizes the comptroller to promulgate any necessary rules and regulations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates state contractors provide health insurance covering supplemental breast cancer screenings, expanding coverage and improving access to preventive care.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill requires contractors to provide health insurance covering supplemental breast cancer screenings, enhancing worker benefits and employment standards as a condition for state contracts.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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