Bill > S00360

This bill expands the New York State Health Department's authority to review health services in correctional facilities by mandating comprehensive biennial studies of health care staffing and annual reviews of medical policies and practices. The bill requires the health commissioner to conduct in-depth reviews of various health issues in correctional facilities, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, COVID-19, emerging infectious diseases, women's health, transgender health, chronic conditions, healthcare for older individuals, discharge planning, and substance use disorders. The reviews will assess whether medical policies conform to current medical standards, and the department is authorized to enter facilities, inspect records, interview staff and patients, and recommend corrective actions if deficiencies are found. A key new provision is a biennial study of health care staffing that will examine the adequacy of staffing levels, potential challenges like salary and geographic factors, and the impact of staffing on service availability. The first such staffing study must be completed and submitted to state leadership within one year of the bill's effective date, and all review reports will be made publicly available on the department's website, while protecting individual patient privacy.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S360