Bill > A02398

This bill systematically replaces the terms "addict" and "addicts" across multiple areas of New York state law with the more person-centered language "person with substance use disorder" or similar variations. The bill amends sections of the judiciary law, mental hygiene law, public health law, county law, and general city law to update terminology in contexts related to medical treatment, legal proceedings, and substance use treatment facilities. By changing the language, the bill aims to reduce stigma and emphasize that substance use disorder is a medical condition rather than a personal failing. Specifically, the bill modifies definitions, legal procedures, and descriptions of treatment facilities to use more respectful and person-first language. For example, in the public health law, the definition of "addict" is replaced with "person with substance use disorder", which means an individual who habitually uses a controlled substance for a non-legitimate purpose and has developed a dependency. The changes apply to various scenarios including medical treatment, emergency care, reporting requirements, and establishment of treatment facilities, with the goal of promoting a more compassionate and medical approach to understanding substance use disorders.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2398