This bill establishes two key protections for railroad employees working for state-run railroads: (1) requiring employers to provide light duty assignments during pregnancy (with full pay and benefits maintained), and (2) creating paid parental leave benefits (67% of average weekly wage, up to 12 weeks annually) for bonding with newborns or adopted children within the first year. Eligibility begins after 26 consecutive weeks of employment (or 175 days for part-time workers), with benefits payable starting on the 14th day of leave. The law applies to all railroad employees covered under state authority operations and explicitly preserves existing collective bargaining agreements. It takes effect January 1, 2026.
Authorizes workers' compensation claimants to use any in-state pharmacy that is registered with the education department, though an employer or insurance carrier may encourage use of a pharmacy with which it has a contract; provides that a workers' compensation carrier shall not be liable for charges from any out-of-state pharmacy or for any extemporaneous compound medication that has by been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Enacts the manufacturer disclosure and transparency act requiring prescription drug manufacturers to notify the attorney general of arrangements between pharmaceutical manufacturers resulting in the delay of the introduction of generic medications.
Establishes the rural suicide prevention council to identify barriers to mental health and substance use treatment and prevention services and other policies, practices, resources, services, and potential legislation that aim to reduce death by suicide and suicide attempts and acknowledge the demographic and cultural differences in rural communities; makes related provisions.
Requires managed care providers to annually provide each participant in their programs with a written list of mail-order pharmacies with which the managed care provider has a contract for coverage of prescription drugs.
This bill (A2648) requires all New York schools - including public, charter, and non-public elementary and secondary schools - to maintain and manage epinephrine auto-injector devices for emergency use. Schools must follow specific guidelines: regularly test devices per manufacturer standards, notify regional health councils of device locations, and post clear signage at building entrances indicating where devices are stored. The law designates schools as "public access epinephrine auto-injector device providers" under existing public health law, ensuring devices are accessible during allergic reactions. It takes effect 90 days after enactment, focusing on practical, standardized access without altering medical protocols.
This bill (A 3956) requires all newborns in New York to be screened for cytomegalovirus (CMV) using a specialized blood spot or urine test within the first 21 days of life. It directly affects every newborn and their parents, as parents may opt out of the screening. The law mandates screening via dried blood spot or urine PCR testing, with the health commissioner allowed to approve alternative equivalent tests through regulations. The bill amends Public Health Law to add this requirement, effective 180 days after enactment.
Prohibits civil arrest in hospital, shelter, food bank, and crisis center settings; except to address an imminent safety situation or if they have an appropriate judicial warrant or judicial order.
Authorizes increased equity withdrawals by certain non-public residential health care facilities; establishes the nursing home worker recruitment and safety fund.
Provides for the initiation of treatment for COVID-19, influenza, and pharyngitis resulting from a Group A streptococcal infection by a licensed pharmacist in certain circumstances.
