Bill > S01856

This bill amends the New York State Correction Law to prohibit county correction officers from routinely dispensing or administering medications to incarcerated individuals within local correctional facilities. The key provision specifically bars correction officers from handling medication distribution during normal circumstances. However, the bill creates an important exception that allows correction officers or staff to dispense or administer medications during a medical emergency, recognizing that immediate medical intervention may be necessary to protect an incarcerated individual's health and safety. The legislation is designed to ensure that medication management is primarily handled by medical professionals, while still providing flexibility for urgent situations. The bill will take effect 180 days after becoming law, which gives local correctional facilities time to adjust their medication distribution protocols and potentially hire or reassign medical staff to handle routine medication dispensing.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1856