Healthcare

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 183: Provides for the licensing of genetic counselors; creates the state board for genetic counseling

This bill establishes a licensing system for genetic counselors and creates a State Board for Genetic Counseling. To practice, genetic counselors must obtain a license by meeting requirements including a master's degree in genetic counseling, passing an exam, and having relevant experience. The law defines genetic counseling as providing information about genetic risks and testing but explicitly prohibits counselors from diagnosing conditions, prescribing medication, or performing medical procedures. The State Board, composed of five licensed genetic counselors, one physician, and one public representative, will oversee licensing, professional conduct, and set standards for the profession.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes licensing standards for genetic counselors, ensuring qualified professionals provide genetic risk information, enhancing service quality and patient safety in healthcare.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4654: Requires the office of mental health to conduct a study on utilizing the therapeutic techniques studied by the research and recognition project for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder

Requires the office of mental health to conduct a study on utilizing the therapeutic techniques studied by the research and recognition project for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires study of PTSD treatments to improve mental health services, aligning with support for mental health care expansion.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill studies PTSD treatment for veterans' healthcare, aligning with support indicators for improved veteran healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 3576: Establishes the statewide fibroid study program

Establishes the statewide fibroid study program to study fibroids, the treatment of fibroids, potential barriers to the access of treatment for fibroids, and differences in symptoms and access to treatment for women of color.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes study program to examine fibroid treatment barriers and access disparities for women of color, aiming to improve healthcare access and address racial inequities in treatment.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5774: Establishes a penalty and cause of action for intentional destruction of medical records by a party to a medical malpractice action, or by an agent thereof

Establishes a penalty of not less than $1,000 for each intentional destruction, mutilation or significant alteration of a medical record by a party to a medical malpractice action, or by any officer, director, member, employee or agent of such party; establishes a cause of action on behalf of any person injured as the result of such destruction, mutilation or significant alteration; requires disclosure of metadata, audit trail, and log-in information associated with electronic medical records in certain actions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents intentional destruction of medical records in malpractice cases, protecting patient rights and ensuring record integrity in healthcare legal proceedings.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 2334: Provides for coverage of screenings for elevated lead levels

Bill S 2334 mandates that insurance policies covering screenings for elevated lead levels must exempt these services from annual deductibles or coinsurance. This means individuals with such insurance will not face out-of-pocket costs for these specific tests. The bill also applies this provision to screenings for children covered under social services law. It amends various sections of the insurance and social services law to implement these changes, aiming to reduce financial barriers to lead level detection.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates no deductibles/coinsurance for lead screenings, removing financial barriers and expanding access to preventive healthcare coverage.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4869: Relates to judicial diversion programs; repealer

This bill significantly expands eligibility for judicial diversion programs, allowing individuals charged with a broader range of offenses to participate if they have a "qualifying diagnosis." This diagnosis includes serious mental disorders, other mental health disorders causing severe functional impairment, or substance use disorders. While most Class A felonies and Class B sexual offenses are generally excluded, the bill establishes a new "diversion part" in each county. It also redefines "treatment" within these programs to include evidence-based interventions outside of carceral settings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands judicial diversion eligibility for mental health/substance use disorders, reducing incarceration and promoting rehabilitation through expanded program access.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands diversion eligibility for mental health/substance use disorders, directing offenders toward treatment instead of incarceration, supporting mental health services access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7629: Increases distributions for problem gambling education and treatment purposes

This bill increases annual funding for problem gambling education and treatment programs from $6 million to $12 million, starting in fiscal year 2025. The funds come from 1% of mobile sports wagering tax revenue collected by the state commission. The change directly affects state-funded gambling treatment programs and the commission responsible for distributing the funds, while a separate $5 million allocation continues for youth sports programs. The policy change is a specific financial adjustment to existing tax revenue distribution rules.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases state funding for gambling treatment programs from $6M to $12M annually using existing mobile sports wagering tax revenue, directly advancing public health funding within budget allocations.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncreases funding for problem gambling treatment programs, directly supporting mental health services within healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 2, 2026

A 2428: Requires that free menstrual products be provided in the bathrooms of private colleges and universities

This bill requires all private colleges and universities in the state to provide free menstrual products in commonly used restrooms for students. It directly affects students at private higher education institutions by ensuring access to these products at no cost. The key provision mandates that institutions supply products (like pads or tampons) in restrooms without charging students, as specified in the new Public Health Law section 267-c. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides free menstrual products in private college restrooms, directly enhancing student access to essential health resources and supporting educational equity for higher education students.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides free menstrual products in college restrooms, ensuring access to essential health items without cost, directly aligning with public health access initiatives under new Public Health Law section 267-c.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1477: Allows withdrawals from family tuition accounts to pay for treatment of substance use disorder for the designated beneficiary

Allows withdrawals from family tuition accounts to pay for treatment of substance use disorder, including detoxification and rehabilitation for the designated beneficiary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables substance use disorder treatment access via tuition accounts, supporting rehabilitation - key criminal justice reform component to reduce recidivism.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllows tuition funds for substance use disorder treatment, expanding healthcare access to mental health services95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5264: Relates to exempting certain over the counter family planning supplies from sales and compensating use taxes

This bill exempts over-the-counter family planning supplies from sales and use taxes. It specifically covers items like condoms and emergency contraception that prevent pregnancy or protect against sexually transmitted infections without requiring a prescription. The exemption applies to products purchased directly by consumers in stores. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment, applying to all qualifying sales made on or after that date.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts family planning supplies from sales/use taxes, providing direct tax relief to consumers for essential health products.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExempts family planning supplies from taxes, improving affordability and access to reproductive healthcare services without requiring a prescription.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives Women's Health

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