Creates a department of health education and outreach program on reproductive health services for consumers, patients, educators, and health care providers related to reproductive health services available in New York state including, but not limited to: access to family planning services such as contraceptives and pregnancy testing, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections; makes related provisions.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A2581B
SPONSOR: Gonzalez-Rojas TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the creation of a
women's and reproductive health services education and outreach program
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to increase public awareness on reproductive
health services available in New York State.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 sets the legislative intent. The bill would require the
Department of Health to establish an education and outreach program for
consumers, patients, educators, and health care providers related to the
reproductive health services available in New York State. The program's
services would include, but are not limited to, access to services such
as contraceptives and pregnancy testing, testing and treatment for STIs,
and any other reproductive health conditions or information the commis-
sioner deems necessary. Section one would also indicate that the program
includes counseling, telehealth services, financial assistance, and
information on programs for reproductive health services available
through other state agencies.
Subdivision 2 provides that the department shall establish and maintain
an internet website to advance women's health initiatives. The website
shall provide information and materials to educate the public and raise
awareness of women's health issues, offer links to useful resources, and
encourage the use of services that are now more widely available to
women in New York State.
Subdivision 3 establishes that the department may produce, make avail-
able to others for reproduction, or contract with others to develop such
materials under this section as the commissioner deems appropriate.
Subdivision 4 establishes that the commissioner may consult with appro-
priate health care professionals, and subdivision 5 requires the commis-
sioner to ensure that all information and materials produced in relation
to this act are maintained and updated to reflect best practice recom-
mendations.
Subdivision 6 establishes that the department shall also consider making
use of social media networks for the purposes of advancing such initi-
atives.
Subdivision 7 establishes that the commissioner shall develop and
update, as necessary, information on possible complications from preg-
nancy that can endanger the life or health of the newborn or the mother
for purposes of advancing women's health initiatives.
Subdivision 8 establishes that information pursuant to subdivision two
of this section shall include information related to pre-term labor and
premature birth, including but not limited to definitions and informa-
tion on the risks of pre-term labor and premature birth to the expectant
mother and fetus, as well as signs and symptoms of pre-term labor.
Subdivision 9 establishes that the department shall develop educational
materials to be provided to emergency room medical staff regarding the
state and federal discharge and transfer requirements.
Subdivision 10 provides that in addition to information provided pursu-
ant to this section, the commissioner shall also develop comprehensive
informational materials, which shall include, but not be limited to, the
symptoms, the risks, the transmission and the prevention of cytomegalo-
virus and the effects that such virus may have on a pregnant individual,
an individual who may become pregnant, and children.
Subdivision 11 provides that the department shall take all necessary
steps to ensure the confidentiality of providers of these services and
of the individuals receiving services, unless necessary for the purpose
of referring individuals for reproductive health services.
Section two provides the effective date of ninety days after its enact-
ment.
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State and the DOH provide affordable and accessible comprehen-
sive reproductive health care services which include but are not limited
to birth control, emergency contraception, free condoms, sexually trans-
mitted infection screening and treatment, basic infertility services,
services offered via telehealth and counseling to assist in informed
decision making about one's reproductive. health.
This legislation would codify current outreach and education related to
reproductive health and increase public awareness by ensuring the
continuation of updated and maintained information on affordable and
accessible resources of reproductive health services and education based
on best practices. This legislation further ensures that those in need
of such services know where to find them, how to access them, the avail-
able financial assistance, and that both patient and provider privacy
are protected.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
None.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall become a
law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment, and/or repeal of
any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on
its effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before
such effective date.
