Bill > A08514

This bill amends the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act to authorize certified school psychologists to participate in the certification of individuals as intellectually disabled or developmentally disabled, alongside licensed physicians. Specifically, the bill allows for certification to be made by either one licensed physician and one certified school psychologist, or by two licensed physicians, at least one of whom has professional knowledge in caring for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The bill updates language to use more inclusive terminology (such as "themself" instead of "himself or herself") and clarifies the process for determining a person's capacity to make healthcare decisions. For developmentally disabled individuals, the bill maintains the existing criteria for certification, which includes conditions like cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and traumatic head injury, and ensures that the disability originates before the person reaches 22 years of age (with an exception for traumatic head injury). The changes expand the professional expertise that can be used to certify a person's disability status, potentially providing more flexibility and accessibility in the guardianship certification process.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8514