Bill > A07392

This bill criminalizes the practice of "running," which involves procuring patients or clients for healthcare providers or attorneys in exchange for pecuniary benefit. The bill defines several key terms, including "provider" (which encompasses healthcare professionals, attorneys, and those who create the impression of providing services), "runner" (a person who procures clients or patients for financial gain), and "public media" (advertising channels that do not involve direct contact). The legislation establishes three degrees of criminal offense for unlawful procurement of clients: a third-degree misdemeanor for acting as a runner or employing a runner on one or more occasions, a second-degree felony for runners who receive benefits exceeding $2,500 or act on five or more occasions, and a first-degree felony for runners who receive benefits exceeding $5,000 or act on ten or more occasions. The bill explicitly excludes certain activities from the definition of running, such as referrals authorized by law, advertising through public media, and certain insurance-related activities. The purpose of the legislation appears to be preventing fraudulent or predatory practices in healthcare and legal services by targeting individuals who improperly solicit or direct clients to providers for financial gain. The act is set to take effect on the first of November following its passage into law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7392