Healthcare

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 236: Relates to the license requirements for the practice of respiratory therapy

Bill A 236 updates the educational licensing requirements for new respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy technicians in New York State. New respiratory therapists will need an associate degree for initial licensure but must attain a baccalaureate degree in respiratory therapy or an equivalent within six years to maintain their registration. New respiratory therapy technicians will receive a three-year initial license, after which they must meet the new baccalaureate degree requirements for respiratory therapists to continue practicing. These updated educational standards do not apply to individuals already licensed as of the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareUpdates licensing standards to require higher education for respiratory therapists, strengthening healthcare service quality and professional competence.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 700: Relates to certain data required in an annual report on the administration of managed long term care plans

This bill requires managed long term care plans in New York to submit detailed annual reports to the state health department, replacing previous biannual reporting. It mandates specific data including service utilization (like personal care hours), spending breakdowns (home/community vs. institutional care), complaint statistics, wait times for services, and metrics tracking shifts from nursing homes to community care. The reports must be published on the department's website in an interactive format for public comparison, with the first reports due by February 2026. These requirements directly affect all managed long term care plans operating in New York and provide transparency for enrollees and the public.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates detailed reporting on long-term care plans to increase transparency, track service metrics, and monitor shifts from nursing homes to community care, strengthening oversight of healthcare administration.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

Track

failed · New York · Assembly May 12, 2026

A 4522: Adopts the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, the Interstate Occupational Therapy Compact, and the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact

Adopts the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (Part A); adopts the Interstate Occupational Therapy Compact (Part B); adopts the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (Part C).

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAdopts compacts enabling healthcare professionals to practice across state lines, improving patient access and supporting medical professionals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

Track

vetoed · New York · Assembly Oct 17, 2025

A 7011: Allows individuals to register in the donate life registry through mandatory personal income tax electronic tax filings

This bill adds a new option for New York residents to register for the Donate Life Registry (which facilitates organ, eye, and tissue donations) through mandatory electronic personal income tax filings. It requires the state to include a clear checkbox on tax forms asking, "Would you like to be added to the Donate Life Registry? Check box for 'yes' or 'skip this question'." This expands existing registration methods - which include driver's license applications, health insurance enrollment, and college financial aid forms - to include tax filings for those required to file electronically. The change applies to all taxpayers submitting income tax documents via electronic means, making organ donation registration more accessible during routine state interactions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands organ donation registration via tax forms, facilitating public health program (Donate Life Registry) to increase organ availability for transplants, improving patient access to life-saving healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6435: Establishes contingency management services for certain persons with substance use disorders

Requires the office of alcoholism and substance abuse services to provide contingency management services, including non-cash rewards, for persons with addiction disorders who abstain from substance abuse and comply with treatment objectives.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates contingency management services for substance use disorder treatment, expanding access to evidence-based care for addiction, aligning with mental health support indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2025

S 7151: Relates to waiting list for organs

This bill removes a New York state law that previously prohibited patients from being listed on multiple organ transplant waiting lists simultaneously. It directly affects individuals awaiting organ transplants who may now be eligible to join waiting lists managed by different organ procurement organizations within the state. The key change allows patients to participate in multiple transplant programs without violating state rules, while requiring transplant facilities to inform patients about this new option before listing them. The bill does not alter organ allocation criteria or medical suitability standards.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves prohibition on multiple organ transplant waiting lists, improving patient access to transplants by expanding options and reducing barriers.95% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 11, 2025

S 4963: Requires the superintendent of financial services to promulgate regulations which provide standardized definitions for commonly used terms and phrases in certain insurance policies

Requires the superintendent to promulgate regulations which provide standardized definitions for commonly used terms and phrases in certain insurance policies.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareStandardized insurance definitions improve clarity and consumer understanding of coverage terms, aligning with patient rights protection in healthcare insurance policies.75% confidence

Track

signed · New York · Assembly Jun 26, 2025

A 8479: Extends provisions of law relating to applied behavioral analysis

This bill extends a 2013 law allowing behavior analysts employed in state-regulated programs (such as those under the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Office of Children and Family Services, or Office of Mental Health) to perform their duties without violating licensing restrictions. It specifically clarifies that this extension does not authorize the use of certain titles defined under education law. The provision is temporary and will expire on July 1, 2030, after which the previous restrictions will resume. The bill affects licensed behavior analysts working in these state-funded or regulated programs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExtends ABA provider authorization in mental health programs (OMH), enabling continued service access without licensing barriers, supporting mental health care delivery.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

in committee · New York · Senate Mar 13, 2026

S 710: Relates to eligibility for the temporary assistance to needy families block grant program, safety net assistance and medical assistance for certain noncitizens

Relates to eligibility for the temporary assistance to needy families block grant program, safety net assistance and medical assistance for certain noncitizens.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill addresses eligibility for medical assistance, directly expanding healthcare access for certain noncitizens under public health programs.95% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8339: Requires the state education department to develop a model mental health training program to serve as the mental health component of required school safety trainings

Requires the state education department to develop a model mental health training program to serve as the mental health component of required school safety trainings as part of comprehensive district-wide safety plans developed by each district-wide school safety team.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates mental health training in school safety programs, enhancing student well-being and support services as part of required district safety plans.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health training integration into school safety programs, directly advancing mental health services in educational settings per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health

Track