Bill > A05624

This bill enacts the Mental Health Assessment and Record Keeping for the Coroner's Office Act, which requires coroners, coroner and coroner's physicians, or medical examiners to conduct a comprehensive mental health assessment when a death occurs in their jurisdiction. The assessment must include a thorough evaluation of the individual's medical and psychiatric history, involving the review of medication records, therapy reports, and the acquisition of necessary medical documents. Upon completion, the findings must be documented on a form prescribed by the health commissioner, detailing any indications of mental distress, illness, or specific mental health disorders like schizophrenia, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Importantly, the bill mandates that death certificates list the underlying mental illness as the cause of death when a suicide occurs, rather than listing suicide itself. The bill also modifies insurance law to require life insurance policies to pay out in cases of suicide if the mental health assessment reveals a pre-existing mental health condition. All documents related to the mental health assessment will be kept confidential and protected under privacy laws, with use limited to research and prevention efforts. The act will take effect 180 days after becoming law, allowing time for implementation and preparation of necessary regulations.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5624