Healthcare

passed · New York · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 5981: Establishes the comprehensive sexual and reproductive health program

Establishes the comprehensive sexual and reproductive health program to provide funding to providers whose primary function is to facilitate access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services and information for low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals and provide support to providers to facilitate access to care, fund uncompensated care, and support community awareness of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services across New York state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds sexual/reproductive health services for low-income, uninsured populations, expanding access and support through provider funding and community awareness.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 1438: Enacts the New York state abortion clinical training program act

Establishes the New York state abortion clinical training program within the department of health for the purpose of training health care practitioners in the performance of abortion and related reproductive health care services; requires the commissioner of health to submit a report to the governor and the legislature.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes abortion clinical training program to expand reproductive healthcare access by training providers, directly advancing patient access to reproductive health services.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 359: Prohibits state-operated hospitals from suing patients for medical debt

This bill prohibits state-operated hospitals - including university health centers, cancer institutes, and certain public hospitals - from taking patients to court to collect unpaid medical bills. It defines "medical debt" as any unpaid charge for health care services, products, or devices provided by these facilities. The law prevents hospitals from using court action to recover such debts, directly protecting patients who owe medical bills to these specific state-run institutions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prohibits state hospitals from suing patients for medical debt, protecting patient rights and improving access to care by preventing financial penalties for unpaid bills.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5015: Relates to applying a special Medicaid rate for releasees in nursing homes

Relates to applying a special Medicaid rate for releasees in facilities or discrete units within facilities that provide long term nursing or medical services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareApplies special Medicaid rate for nursing home releasees, expanding coverage under public health program for vulnerable populations95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4883: Relates to the calculation of operating revenue for purposes of minimum direct resident care spending by residential health care facilities

Excludes one-time federal assistance in the calculation of operating revenue for purposes of minimum direct resident care spending by residential health care facilities.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareExcludes one-time federal aid from revenue calculation, potentially reducing required direct resident care spending by facilities.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7913: Relates to improper practices relating to staff membership or professional privileges of a physician and such physician's board certification

This bill prohibits hospitals and health insurance plans from unfairly denying medical staff privileges or network participation to healthcare providers. Specifically, it bans hospitals from refusing applications or denying privileges without valid reasons tied to patient care, and bars denying privileges based solely on a provider's licensure category or lack of current board certification (if they were previously board-certified). It also requires health plans and insurers to disclose application procedures, complete reviews within 60 days (with a 21-day extension for missing documents), and not reject previously board-certified physicians solely due to loss of certification. The law directly affects physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, and midwives seeking hospital staff roles or health plan network inclusion.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits unfair denial of medical staff privileges/network access, protecting provider rights and improving patient access to care by banning arbitrary denials based on licensure or board certification status.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1223: Expands the scope of the temporary operator program

Expands the scope of the temporary operator program permitting the commissioner of health to appoint an operator if a facility experiences serious financial instability or conditions that seriously endanger the life, health or safety of residents or patients.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands temporary operator program to prevent facility closures endangering health/safety, ensuring continuity of care during crises.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4854: Prohibits the packaging, sale and distribution of confectionery and candy designed to resemble a tobacco product

This bill (S 4854) prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of candy or confectionery products designed to look like tobacco products, such as chocolate cigarettes or gum cigars. It specifically bans packaging, branding, or marketing that mimics tobacco products (e.g., cigarette-shaped candy or tobacco-like labels). The law applies to all candy types, including gum, chocolate bars, and mints, and imposes civil fines of $100-$500 for violations. It directly affects candy manufacturers, sellers, and distributors who create or market products resembling tobacco items.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBans candy resembling tobacco products to prevent youth tobacco initiation, a direct public health measure targeting smoking prevention and reducing health risks.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5812: Prohibits approved providers of child health insurance coverage from discriminating against health care providers not participating in the insurer's network

Prohibits approved organizations providing coverage under the child health insurance plan from discriminating against health care providers which do not participate in the organization's health care network.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits insurers from discriminating against non-network providers, improving patient access to care and protecting provider choice under child health insurance programs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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signed · New York · Senate Dec 19, 2025

S 4914: Protects individuals who provide or receive legally protected health activity from criminal or civil liability or professional sanctions imposed by jurisdictions outside the state; repealer

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects reproductive and gender-affirming care access by shielding providers/receivers from out-of-state liability, aligning with patient rights protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare