Bill > S02103

This bill enacts a new law that imposes limits and requirements for the use of psychotropic medications (such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and sedatives) in nursing homes and adult care facilities. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring health care professionals to obtain written informed consent from the patient or their lawful representative before prescribing or increasing a psychotropic medication, with specific disclosure requirements around the medication's purpose, benefits, risks, and alternatives. 2. Allowing health care professionals to prescribe psychotropic medications without consent only in emergency situations where it is necessary to protect the patient or others from an immediate threat. 3. Requiring health care professionals to document the informed consent process and, in certain cases, provide notification to the patient's family members. 4. Authorizing the Commissioner of Health to make regulations to implement the new law, which will take effect 180 days after it becomes law.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S2103