Requires the department of education to report information regarding counselors, social workers and psychologists in schools and to implement a plan to increase the school counselor, school social worker and school psychologist to student ratio to nationally accepted standards and provide funding for such.
Creates the lymphedema and lymphatic diseases research grants program; provides such grants, not to exceed $50,000, would be awarded on a competitive basis to biomedical research institutions conducting direct research related to lymphedema and lymphatic disease.
Requires hospitals record information during intake and registration if a patient requires a disability accommodation; allows such patient to decline such request for information.
Excludes the five state-run veterans homes from assessments on their gross receipts received from all patient care services and other operating income; directs the Commissioner of Health to apply to the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for any necessary waivers pursuant to federal law and regulation.
Authorizes occupational therapy services to be provided in school to students in grades pre-kindergarten through twelve with occupational impairments of a severity that does not adversely affect the student's educational performance but does present a barrier to functioning at home or in the community; directs the commissioner to promulgate rules and regulations for the provision of such occupational therapy services.
S 6966 creates a tax credit for taxpayers who pay for the care of a qualifying disabled child, such as one with autism, developmental disabilities, or a physical disability. The credit equals 20% of up to $2,400 in qualifying care expenses (e.g., home health services, day care, equipment), plus an additional $75 if expenses exceed $240 annually. To qualify, the child must live with the taxpayer and be within the third degree of family relation. The credit reduces tax liability, and any unused portion is paid as a refund without interest.
Directs the commissioner of health to require each licensed home care service agency to submit an infection control plan and periodic reports detailing measures taken to protect clients from infection.
Establishes a cause of action for fertility fraud; allows patients who have undergone assisted reproduction procedures to bring a cause of action if human reproductive material other than that which was consented to by the patient is used in such procedure; allows for compensatory and punitive damages.
Relates to authorization of treatment under workers' compensation for care and treatment of injured employees by podiatrists, chiropractors and psychologists; repeals certain provisions.
This bill requires local health departments to immediately notify a newborn's pediatrician and parents when a positive cytomegalovirus (CMV) test is identified in a newborn. It mandates confirmatory urine testing for infants under three weeks old and ensures follow-up care by a pediatric infectious disease specialist before the baby turns four weeks old, including head measurements, eye exams, hearing tests, and blood work. The law also adds CMV to the list of reportable communicable diseases under public health regulations. This directly affects newborns with CMV, their parents, pediatricians, and hospital staff responsible for reporting and care coordination.
