Healthcare (Healthcare Workforce)

in committee · New York · Senate May 15, 2026

S 10516: Relates to certified medication aides

This bill allows certified medication aides in New York residential health care facilities to administer specific, pre-packaged medications under the supervision of a registered professional nurse. The legislation establishes clear rules for this role, permitting tasks like giving oral or pre-filled injections for diabetes and emergencies while strictly banning procedures involving sterile techniques or central lines. To qualify, aides must already be certified nurse aides with at least one year of experience, pass competency exams, and demonstrate the ability to read, write, and perform basic math. A supervising nurse must assign these tasks individually based on the aide's proven skills and must have the authority to revoke assignments without fear of retaliation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands patient care access by allowing certified medication aides to administer specific medications, improving efficiency in residential health facilities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · New York · Senate May 8, 2026

S 10257: Establishes the New York state nursing faculty scholarship incentive program

Establishes the New York state nursing faculty scholarship incentive program for advanced degrees in nursing; provides such incentives shall be awarded annually, on a competitive basis, to registered professional nurses and certified nurse practitioners who are in a masters or doctoral program and agree to teach nursing for one year for each year such incentive is awarded.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates a scholarship incentive for nursing faculty, directly supporting educators and enhancing the nursing education workforce.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates a scholarship incentive program to fund nursing faculty, directly strengthening healthcare workforce development and education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid Healthcare Workforce

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passed · New York · Assembly May 6, 2026

K 1278: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 6, 2026, as School Nurse Day in the State of New York

This bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize May 6, 2026, as School Nurse Day. The measure does not change any laws or alter how school nurses work; instead, it serves to honor their contributions to student health and education. By adopting this resolution, the legislature intends to raise awareness about the important role nurses play in schools and to thank them for their service. The primary effect is a ceremonial proclamation that highlights the value of school nursing to the public and the community.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill honors school nurses, enhancing student health and educational access without restricting or defunding.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill honors school nurses, raising awareness of their vital role in student health and education.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Healthcare Workforce

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 10467: Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis

This bill allows licensed pharmacists to dispense HIV pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis medications upon receiving an order from a physician or certified nurse practitioner. For post-exposure prevention, pharmacists can provide up to a seven-day starter pack, while pre-exposure prevention requires a supply of at least thirty days but no more than sixty days. To qualify for pre-exposure medication, patients must present a recent negative HIV test, confirm they have no symptoms of acute infection, and not be taking contraindicated drugs. Pharmacists must complete specific training, provide written educational materials to patients, and direct those who test positive for HIV to appropriate medical care providers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access to HIV prevention medications by allowing pharmacists to dispense them, strengthening public health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · New York · Senate May 6, 2026

S 10218: Relates to the hospitalization, care coordination, and assisted outpatient treatment for persons with mental illness by qualified clinical examiners or qualified mental health professionals

Relates to the hospitalization, care coordination, and assisted outpatient treatment for persons with mental illness by qualified clinical examiners or qualified mental health professionals; defines qualified clinical examiner and qualified mental health professional.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access to mental health services by defining qualified professionals for hospitalization and assisted outpatient treatment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Mental Health

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 9858: Amends the definition of mental health care provider for purposes of sex offenses

Amends the definition of mental health care provider for purposes of sex offenses to include persons who are, or are required to be, licensed or registered or holds themselves out to be licensed or registered, or provides services as if they were licensed or registered as a physician, psychologist, professional nurse, clinical social worker, master social worker under the supervision of a physician, psychologist or licensed clinical social worker, licensed mental health counselor or a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands the definition of mental health care providers to include unlicensed individuals posing as professionals, thereby strengthening protections for patients and clarifying accountability in mental health services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 10074: Enacts "Vincent Scheppa's law" authorizing, in certain cases, the provision of private duty nursing services to a medical assistance recipient by a relative who is a registered professional nurse

Enacts "Vincent Scheppa's law" authorizing, in certain cases, the provision of private duty nursing services to a medical assistance recipient by a relative who is a registered professional nurse.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access to nursing care by allowing relatives to provide private duty services to medical assistance recipients.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 3, 2026

A 10371: Expands the circumstances where direct support staff can administer medications

This bill expands the situations in which direct support staff are permitted to administer medications to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It allows these staff members to perform medication tasks under the supervision of a registered professional nurse and after completing specific training, provided a memorandum of understanding is established between relevant agencies. The legislation requires separate annual certification for staff handling medications, tube feeding, or diabetic care, mandates criminal and agency background checks for new hires, and prohibits staff from assessing medication needs or representing themselves as licensed nurses. The changes are designed to support consumer-directed care models while maintaining safety standards through nursing oversight and clear role boundaries.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands medication administration capabilities for direct support staff, improving healthcare access and services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities under nurse supervision.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8737: Establishes a temporary practice authorization program for certain nurses

Establishes a temporary practice authorization program for retired registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to practice in the facility they previously worked to provide supplemental staffing support.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill enables retired nurses to provide supplemental staffing, directly improving healthcare access and addressing facility staffing shortages in healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 8678: Expands Medicaid coverage to include pharmacological treatment for hyperhidrosis

Expands Medicaid coverage to include pharmacological treatment for hyperhidrosis when such treatment is ordered by a physician, registered physician assistant, or registered nurse practitioner; provides that the provisions shall not take effect unless all necessary approvals under federal law and regulation have been obtained to receive federal financial participation in the costs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly expands Medicaid coverage for pharmacological hyperhidrosis treatment, directly advancing patient access to healthcare services and aligning with support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medicaid

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