Requires every physician, physician assistant, specialist assistant, registered nurse and licensed practical nurse to complete course work or training regarding human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections testing and the elements of sexual health including sexual orientation and gender identity.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A725
SPONSOR: Rosenthal TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law and the education law, in relation
to providing course work and training in HIV and STI testing
PURPOSE:
This bill relates to providing course work and training in HIV and STI
testing practices and other aspects of sexual health, including sexual
orientation and gender identity.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one amends the public health law by adding a new section 239-c.
Section two amends the education law by adding a new section 6505-d.
Section three establishes the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Every New York State physician and registered nurse is required to
complete at least 50 hours of continuing medical education (CME) related
to their specialty in order to remain in good standing with the State's
medical board. In addition to CME credits related to their specialty,
there are additional professional education requirements for physicians
and nurses that relate to the identification and reporting of child
abuse and other areas that may fall outside their immediate specialty
purview. This bill will add to that list and provide medical profes-
sionals, regardless of specialty, training related to the various issues
associated with. HIV and STI testing, as well as training on other
aspects of sexual health including sexual orientation and gender identi-
ty.
In the 1980s, HIV/AIDS claimed the lives of tens of thousands. Today, an
estimated 500,000 to 600,000 people in the United States are living with
HIV infection, and another 320,000 people are living with AIDS. New
infections, which peaked at over 150,000 in the mid-1980s, were reduced
to an estimated 40,000 a year in the early 1990s as a result of a myriad
of health initiatives, including awareness and testing.
As with any medical issue, new technological procedures and how the
medical community interacts with patients continues to change at a rapid
pace. In order to maintain controlled levels of HIV and STI infections,
it is critical that medical professionals receive on-going training
focused on best practices for discussing transmission and risks of HIV &
STI infection, advising patients on the benefits of testing, and the
concept of informed consent. Connecticut, Florida and Kentucky current-
ly require medical professionals to receive CME credits for HIV testing
training, but no state expands this requirement to include STI testing
or education.on sexual orientation or gender identity.
This legislation would aid in ensuring all New Yorkers have access to
respectful and informed care, regardless of their sexual orientation,
gender identity or HIV/STI status.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A.282 - Referred to Higher Education
2021-22: A.3864 - Referred to Higher Education
2019-20: A.10380 - Referred to Higher Education
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Undetermined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.
