Bill > S05296

This bill, known as "Nicole's law," establishes new procedures for hospitals when admitting and discharging patients who have intentionally harmed themselves in ways that are life-threatening, such as suicide attempts or drug overdoses. During intake, hospitals must review a patient's history for previous self-harm incidents and contact family or caretakers for more information. If a patient has a history of such injuries, hospitals must obtain previous medical records to understand what treatments were tried, potentially increase the patient's hospital stay as directed by the commissioner of health, and continue to involve family or caretakers. Before discharging a patient with a history of self-inflicted, life-threatening injuries, hospitals must provide at least 48 hours' notice to family or caretakers, hold a meeting with the patient (and potentially family/caretakers) to discuss recovery and mental health management, inform the patient about available "assisted outpatient services" (which are defined as various forms of ongoing community-based mental health support like case management or therapy aimed at preventing relapse or hospitalization), and conduct a follow-up after discharge. Any provider of these assisted outpatient services must give priority access to patients referred by hospitals. Additionally, operators of clinical trials who dismiss individuals due to suicide attempts or suicidal ideation must provide them with the suicide crisis line (988) and local assisted outpatient service contact information, along with a supportive message.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5296