Bill > A00187

This bill requires the New York City Department of Corrections and the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation to develop and implement a comprehensive safety policy to protect health care workers who provide medical services to incarcerated individuals. The policy mandates yearly training for uniformed staff and special officers on securely managing incarcerated individuals during medical encounters, and establishes protocols for informing health care workers about patients with histories of violent or aggressive behavior. The bill defines key terms such as "correctional health services" and "health care worker" to be inclusive of various medical professionals, including dentists and physical therapists. Additionally, the bill requires the department and correctional health services to publish joint reports every six months detailing the safety policy's implementation and compliance, and to submit an annual report to the legislature that analyzes potential punitive measures to deter assaults on health care workers. The bill also creates a private right of action, allowing health care workers to sue the department or corporation for damages if they suffer injuries due to a failure to enforce the established safety standards. By providing these detailed safety mechanisms, the bill aims to create a more secure environment for medical professionals working within correctional facilities.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A187