Healthcare (Mental Health)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3544: Requires certain health care providers to disclose certain facts in regard to probation to current and new patients

This bill requires doctors, dentists, nurses, and other licensed health care providers (including chiropractors, physical therapists, and optometrists) who are placed on probation for specific reasons - such as gross negligence, felony convictions related to patient care, repeated negligence, or mental health issues affecting care - to disclose their probation status to patients before their first appointment following the probation order. The disclosure must include the reason for probation, duration, practice restrictions, and contact details for the state board, provided in writing prior to the appointment. Patients who choose to cancel after receiving this notice cannot be charged, and providers must obtain a signed receipt confirming the disclosure. The requirement applies only to probation orders issued on or after January 1, 2026, with violations potentially resulting in fines or license suspension.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires healthcare providers on probation to disclose status/reasons to patients, protecting patient rights and safety per bill's intent.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6345: Establishes the commission on public safety, emergency preparedness, and mental health

This bill creates a new commission within the executive department to coordinate public safety, emergency preparedness, and mental health efforts across state agencies. The commission, made up of agency heads (including the superintendent of state police and mental health commissioner), will work with divisions focused on school safety, emergency planning, and mental health to provide schools and communities with resources, training, and support - especially to reduce mental health stigma. It requires the commission to hold public hearings twice yearly, maintain a website for public comments, and submit annual reports to the governor and legislature. The bill directly affects state agencies, schools, and communities by establishing structured collaboration for safety and mental health initiatives.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates commission to coordinate mental health resources and reduce stigma, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of addressing root causes and improving community safety.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates commission to coordinate mental health efforts, reduce stigma, and provide resources - directly advancing mental health services per support indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Mental Health

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signed · New York · Senate Dec 19, 2025

S 1744: Imposes certain requirements on institutions housing a defendant due to mental disease or defect prior to the discharge of such defendant

Requires each appropriate institution housing a defendant due to mental disease or defect to assign a critical time intervention care management team to the defendant and make a single point of access referral for the defendant prior to such defendant's discharge.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates care management teams and referrals for mentally ill defendants pre-discharge, promoting continuity of care to reduce recidivism and aligns with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates care teams and referrals for mental health defendants pre-discharge, improving continuity of care and patient access to services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8183: Relates to requirements for certain mental health practitioners to be issued privilege to diagnose and develop assessment-based treatment plans

Provides alternate education and experience requirements for mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts licensed prior to 06/24/2027, to be issued privilege to diagnose and develop assessment-based treatment plans; removes fees for application for such diagnostic privileges.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves fees and expands diagnostic privileges for mental health practitioners, improving access to mental health services per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1956: Requires mental health services for incarcerated individuals with mental health issues related to the trauma of incarceration

Requires mental health services for incarcerated individuals with mental health issues related to the trauma of incarceration upon reentry and reintegration into society upon release.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires mental health services for incarcerated individuals upon reentry, directly supporting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health services for incarcerated individuals upon release, directly supporting mental health care access as per bill's explicit requirement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 495: Relates to medical use of psilocybin; appropriation

This bill establishes a legal framework for the medical use of psilocybin (a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms) in New York State. It creates a "psilocybin assisted therapy grant program" to fund treatment for veterans, first responders, retired first responders, and low-income individuals through certified facilitators (mental health professionals who complete state-approved training). The law defines medical psilocybin, sets requirements for treatment settings and facilitator certification, and includes legal protections against penalties for those using it under the program. It also mandates a two-year department report on the program's implementation and establishes a pilot program for naturally grown psilocybin. The bill makes a specific appropriation to fund the grant program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates state funds for psilocybin therapy grants, funding essential mental health services for veterans, first responders, and low-income individuals.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds psilocybin therapy for veterans, first responders, and low-income individuals through certified facilitators, expanding access to mental health services.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill creates psilocybin therapy grant program specifically funding treatment for veterans as part of mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6887: 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 HealthcareBill mandates study of PTSD therapeutic techniques for mental health treatment, advancing mental health services without restrictions or defunding.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransStudies PTSD treatments directly addressing a key veteran healthcare need, advancing mental health support through research without explicit mention.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Memorials & Recognition Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 721: Relates to witnesses to a health care proxy and the crime of forgery in the second degree

Relates to witnesses to a health care proxy; changes the witness requirement for the health care proxy from two adult witnesses to one adult witness; makes an exception for persons who reside in mental health facilities by requiring such persons to have two adult witnesses; includes falsely making or altering a health care proxy within the crime of forgery in the second degree.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareReduces witness requirement for healthcare proxies, facilitating patient autonomy and decision-making rights in healthcare planning while preventing fraud.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5476: Establishes a statewide youth mental health and social media campaign to promote public awareness of the impacts of social media usage on mental health

Establishes a statewide youth mental health and social media campaign to promote public awareness of the impacts of social media usage on mental health; requires a course of study on social media usage for all students.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates mental health awareness campaign and mandates social media education, directly supporting youth mental health services as part of healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 8165: Relates to requiring at least a ratio of one clinical, non-student mental health staff member per one thousand students on all SUNY and CUNY campuses

Requires at least a ratio of one clinical, non-student mental health staff member per one thousand students on all SUNY and CUNY campuses and for state colleges and universities to update such ratio every five years.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates mental health staff ratios on college campuses, directly enhancing student support services in higher education - a key education policy area - advancing student well-being and access.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates one mental health staff per 1,000 students on SUNY/CUNY campuses to expand access to clinical mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

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