Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2228: Provides a premium reduction for physicians and licensed midwives who complete a risk management strategies course

S 2228 provides a premium reduction on medical malpractice insurance for physicians and licensed midwives who complete approved risk management courses focused on obstetrics and midwifery. The bill requires the health commissioner to approve courses covering evidence-based practices like reducing unnecessary early deliveries, managing complications (e.g., hemorrhage, hypertension), and improving prenatal through postpartum care. Successful completion of these courses earns continuing education credit and qualifies participants for the insurance premium discount. This policy directly affects healthcare providers in New York State who deliver obstetric care, aiming to incentivize training that enhances patient safety and birth outcomes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill incentivizes providers to complete courses improving obstetric/midwifery care (reducing complications, enhancing prenatal/postpartum services), directly advancing patient safety and quality in healthcare.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Women's Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3482: Establishes requirements for granting licensure for the practice of mental health counseling

This bill establishes New York State's requirements for mental health counselors seeking licensure from other states. It allows out-of-state applicants to obtain a license if their home state's standards are similar to New York's, they demonstrate recent competency (through work or education), and have no disqualifying disciplinary history. The bill also creates a temporary "provisional license" enabling practice while completing final requirements, valid until a license is denied, expires, or terms are violated. It does not override existing reciprocity rules but clarifies the process for cross-state licensure.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFacilitates out-of-state mental health counselor licensure, expanding access to services without restrictions or defunding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8289: Authorizes the department of health to designate a level one or level two trauma center in Far Rockaway, county of Queens

This bill authorizes New York State's Department of Health to designate a Level 1 or Level 2 trauma center in Far Rockaway, Queens. It allows the center to operate without requiring a hospital and exempts it from conflicting rules set by the American College of Surgeons. The bill directly affects residents of Far Rockaway by enabling the establishment of a new trauma care facility in that community.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes new trauma center access in underserved Far Rockaway, improving emergency healthcare infrastructure without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2225: Prohibits public funding to facilities using aversive interventions

Prohibits public funding to facilities or programs using aversive interventions on children; establishes a holistic autism spectrum disorder treatment center.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits public funding for aversive interventions in autism care while establishing a holistic treatment center, advancing patient-centered healthcare services and improving access to evidence-based treatments.95% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6177: Relates to establishing emergency mental health units

Relates to establishing emergency mental health units; provides for certification of all emergency mental health units, the creation of regional emergency mental health unit councils, and a New York state emergency mental health unit council to develop minimum training standards for certified emergency mental health units and minimum equipment and communication standards for emergency mental health units.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates emergency mental health units with certification standards, directly expanding access to mental health services under healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3322: Creates the New York autism spectrum disorders treatment, training and research council and provides for the powers and duties of the council

This bill creates the New York Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Treatment, Training and Research Council within the executive department. The council will coordinate state services for individuals with ASDs (affecting approximately 1 in 110 children), their families, and healthcare providers by developing a statewide policy plan and reviewing agency initiatives. Key mechanisms include holding annual community forums across New York State, submitting annual policy updates to the governor and legislature, and requiring agencies to align with the council's coordinated approach. The council will include state agency leaders, appointed experts in ASDs, and family representatives to address gaps in early intervention, post-education services, and research coordination identified by prior state reports.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates council to coordinate ASD healthcare services, develop statewide policy, and improve access for patients/families - directly advancing healthcare delivery for neurodevelopmental conditions.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 6, 2025

A 1985: Establishes a state frontotemporal degeneration registry

Establishes a state frontotemporal degeneration registry; defines terms; requires every physician, nurse practitioner, nurse physician assistant and general hospital that diagnoses or is treating a patient diagnosed with an FTD disorder to give notice to the department; requires certain information to be confidential; sets forth the duties of the commissioner of health; requires the department of health to create and maintain a webpage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes FTD registry for public health data collection, enhancing disease tracking and future healthcare initiatives per healthcare topic description.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Hospitals

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7315: Allows for SNAP benefits to be used to purchase menstrual products

This bill would allow New York SNAP (food stamp) recipients to use their benefits to purchase menstrual products like tampons, sanitary napkins, and panty liners. It requires the state to apply for a federal waiver or authorization within 90 days to make this change, as current federal rules currently restrict SNAP use to food items. The policy directly affects low-income New Yorkers who rely on SNAP benefits for basic needs. The change would take effect only after federal approval is secured.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands access to essential health necessities (menstrual products) for low-income SNAP recipients, aligning with improved patient access under healthcare policy.90% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3057: Sets standards for addiction professionals

This bill establishes formal standards for addiction professionals in New York by defining the term "addiction professional" and creating minimum qualifications for the role. It requires the Office of Addiction Services and Supports to set training standards - including trauma-informed care, co-occurring disorder referrals, and sensitivity training - and oversee licensing, credentialing, and authorization processes for professionals. The law directly affects addiction counselors, treatment providers, and the state office, mandating that all licensed professionals meet these updated standards to ensure quality care and protect patient rights, including access based on gender identity. It also creates an addiction professionals board to advise on credentialing procedures and fees.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes training standards for addiction professionals including trauma-informed care and co-occurring disorder referrals, strengthening mental health service quality and professional qualifications.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2489: Relates to paid family leave and bereavement for fetal death, still birth, and an infant being medically not viable to survive

This bill expands New York's paid family leave program to include bereavement leave for employees experiencing fetal death, stillbirth, or an infant declared medically not viable to survive. It amends workers' compensation law to explicitly add these scenarios to the definition of "family leave" under Section 201. Employees would need to provide medical documentation (such as a fetal death certificate or physician's declaration) to qualify for this leave. The policy applies to all new or renewed insurance policies starting January 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands paid family leave to cover medically related bereavement (fetal death/stillbirth), improving access to healthcare-related leave and supporting mental health needs during medical trauma.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands paid family leave benefits to include bereavement for fetal death/stillbirth, directly strengthening worker benefits under Labor & Employment protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Paid Leave

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