Bill > A00031

This bill establishes the Health Emergency Response Data System (HERDS), a new data collection and sharing platform within the New York State Department of Health designed to gather and disseminate information about public health emergencies. The system will collect statistical data from hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare providers, with a focus on maintaining individual privacy by aggregating information in a way that prevents identification of specific persons while still providing detailed insights about geographic areas and specific hospitals. HERDS information will be made publicly available on the department's website within seven days of receipt, aiming to provide near real-time data to government entities, healthcare providers, and the general public. The system is intended to help improve understanding and response to public health emergencies by creating a centralized, transparent data-sharing mechanism. The bill requires the commissioner of health to create regulations for implementing HERDS and ensures that the data collection aligns with existing departmental responsibilities under public health articles. The act will take effect immediately, with some specific provisions becoming operative after sixty days to allow for regulatory preparation.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A31