A02581 Summary:
BILL NO | A02581B |
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SAME AS | SAME AS S03285-B |
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SPONSOR | Gonzalez-Rojas |
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COSPNSR | Epstein, Burdick, Carroll R, Barrett, Kim, Hevesi, Dinowitz, Sayegh, O'Pharrow, Lunsford, Reyes, Bronson, Clark, Seawright, Otis |
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MLTSPNSR | |
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Amd §266, Pub Health L | |
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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. |
A02581 Memo:
Go to topNEW 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.