Bill > A00994

This bill imposes a new duty on mental health practitioners in New York state, including physicians, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and clinical social workers, to take reasonable steps to protect potential victims when a patient directly communicates a serious, imminent threat of harm to themselves or others. The bill defines "reasonable efforts" as potentially modifying treatment, initiating hospitalization procedures, notifying intended victims, or alerting law enforcement when a patient expresses both a serious intent and the ability to carry out a threat. The legislation provides legal protection for mental health practitioners who disclose confidential patient information in good faith to prevent harm, and explicitly states that practitioners are not required to take actions that would endanger themselves or potentially increase risk to victims. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that decisions made reasonably and in good faith regarding patient disclosure cannot be grounds for civil, criminal, or professional liability, thus providing practitioners with a clear framework for managing potentially dangerous patient situations while balancing patient confidentiality and public safety.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A994