Bill
Bill > A00860
NY A00860
NY A00860Prohibits drug, cannabis or alcohol testing and screening of pregnant or postpartum individuals and newborns unless the individual consents and it is within the scope of medical care, or the testing or screening is necessary for a medical emergency.
summary
Introduced
01/08/2025
01/08/2025
In Committee
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 General Assembly
Bill Summary
AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to prohibiting drug, cannabis or alcohol testing and screening of pregnant or postpartum individuals and newborns
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Maternal Health, Dignity and Consent Act," prohibits healthcare professionals from conducting drug, cannabis, or alcohol tests and screenings on pregnant or postpartum individuals and newborns without specific informed consent. The bill defines these tests as any biological sample analysis or verbal/written screening to detect substance use. Healthcare providers can only perform such tests or screenings if the individual (or for newborns, their authorized representative) provides prior written and oral consent, and the testing is within the scope of medical care. Notably, the bill allows exceptions only in medical emergencies where immediate treatment could be delayed by seeking consent, and even then requires detailed documentation and follow-up communication with the patient or their representative. The legislation also explicitly prevents healthcare professionals from refusing treatment to pregnant, postpartum, or newborn patients who decline testing. The bill aims to protect patient autonomy, ensure informed decision-making, and prevent potential legal consequences that might arise from mandatory substance testing, while maintaining medical professionals' ability to provide necessary care in urgent situations.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (46)
Linda Rosenthal (D)*,
Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn (D),
Chris Burdick (D),
Robert Carroll (D),
Monique Chandler-Waterman (D),
Sarah Clark (D),
Catalina Cruz (D),
Brian Cunningham (D),
Maritza Davila (D),
Manny De Los Santos (D),
Jeffrey Dinowitz (D),
Harvey Epstein (D),
Emily Gallagher (D),
Jessica González-Rojas (D),
Andrew Hevesi (D),
Larinda Hooks (D),
Pamela Hunter (D),
Chantel Jackson (D),
Paula Kay (D),
Anna Kelles (D),
Ron Kim (D),
Charles Lavine (D),
Dana Levenberg (D),
Jen Lunsford (D),
Zohran Mamdani (D),
Demond Meeks (D),
Marcela Mitaynes (D),
Steve Otis (D),
Amy Paulin (D),
Steven Raga (D),
Karines Reyes (D),
Gabriella Romero (D),
Nader Sayegh (D),
Rebecca Seawright (D),
Amanda Septimo (D),
Maryjane Shimsky (D),
Sarahana Shrestha (D),
Jo Anne Simon (D),
Michaelle Solages (D),
Phara Souffrant Forrest (D),
Yudelka Tapia (D),
Al Taylor (D),
Claire Valdez (D),
Latrice Walker (D),
David Weprin (D),
Stefani Zinerman (D),
Last Action
referred to health (on 01/07/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A860 |
| BillText | https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A00860&term=2025&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Text=Y&Committee%26nbspVotes=Y&Floor%26nbspVotes=Y#A00860 |
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