Bill > A02253

This bill amends existing public health law to allow for the dispensing of certain controlled substances to individuals with a substance use disorder, meaning a condition characterized by the harmful use of drugs or alcohol, in specific situations. Previously, controlled substances could only be dispensed for emergency medical treatment unrelated to substance abuse, for patients with incurable fatal diseases, or for those aged, infirm, or suffering from serious illness where withdrawal would be life-threatening. This bill expands these provisions to clarify that emergency medical treatment can be provided even if it's unrelated to the individual's substance use disorder, and importantly, it allows practitioners, registered nurses, and emergency medical technician-paramedics, acting within their professional limits, to administer controlled substances to relieve acute withdrawal symptoms, which are the immediate physical and psychological effects experienced when someone stops using a substance they are dependent on.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2253