Bill > A06857

This bill amends the New York public health law to include HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 viruses in the state's health care and wellness education and outreach program. HTLV (Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus) is a retrovirus with two distinct strains, HTLV-1 and HTLV-2, which have different health implications. The bill requires the public health department to develop and distribute educational materials about the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these viruses, with a focus on providing information about community support services, support groups, respite, and care management. These materials must be virus-specific, reflecting that HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 have different epidemiologies and disease associations. The educational resources will be made available to sexually transmitted disease clinics, healthcare facilities, and corrections facilities, and must be culturally and linguistically appropriate for the target communities. The bill will take effect 120 days after becoming law, allowing time for the development and implementation of these new educational resources.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6857