Bill > S05621

This bill addresses emergency medical services for individuals in substance use recovery by requiring state health departments and emergency medical services councils to develop policies and protocols that specifically protect people recovering from substance addiction. The legislation mandates that emergency medical personnel be trained to identify patients in recovery and communicate potential risks of medications that could compromise their recovery. Key provisions include requiring emergency medical services to offer alternative treatment options and inform receiving hospitals when a patient identifies as being in substance use recovery. The bill also requires ambulance services and first responders to include information about a patient's recovery status on individual call reports, helping to ensure that medical providers are aware of the patient's addiction history. The legislative intent emphasizes that people in recovery work hard to maintain their sobriety and should not be inadvertently placed in situations that could trigger a relapse. Starting immediately upon enactment, health departments must annually review and update these protocols to ensure individuals in recovery receive adequate information and appropriate medical treatment that supports their ongoing recovery efforts.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5621