Bill > A05170

This bill establishes two new criminal offenses in the New York penal law related to sexual abuse by healthcare providers against their patients or clients. The first offense, sexual abuse in the second degree, occurs when a healthcare provider engages in sexual contact with a patient during diagnosis, counseling, or treatment, and obtains consent through false representation that the contact is for a legitimate medical purpose. This is classified as a class E felony. The second offense, sexual abuse in the first degree, is a more serious crime (classified as a class B felony) where the healthcare provider knowingly induces a patient to engage in sexual intercourse, oral sexual conduct, or anal sexual conduct through similar false medical representations. Both offenses include a specific provision that conduct performed for a valid medical purpose does not constitute a violation. The bill aims to protect patients from sexual exploitation by healthcare providers who abuse their professional position of trust and authority, creating clear legal consequences for such misconduct.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5170