Advocacy

Advocacy Alert: New York Addiction Amendments to Public Health Law

August 16, 2018

NY S00687: Prescription Drugs

On January 1, 2017, Senator Timothy Kennedy introduced S00687 with co-sponsors Tony Avella and Liz Krueger. The bill, if passed, will amend the public health law and the mental hygiene law in relation to requiring disclosure of addiction risks for certain prescription drugs.

The bill will require disclosure of addiction risks for certain prescription drugs. It will also require physician, nurses, and pharmacists to provide information on prevention, mitigation, and treatment of prescription drug addiction, having the patient sign a form that acknowledges their education of such risks.

On January 3, 2018, the Senate referred the bill to the Senate Health Committee.

BHAP supports this bill, as it helps with educating patients regarding substance use disorders and informs patients of available community resources. This helps providers in their work.

We encourage those who operate in the state of New York to contact Senator Kennedy and show your support of this education bill.

A07408: Public Awareness Campaign

Meanwhile, Assemblymember Ron Kim introduced A07408 with 18 co-sponsors. The bill, if passed, will amend the public health law and the state finance law in relation to establishing a public awareness and education campaign for addiction.

The bill is geared toward reducing the stigma of seeking help, as well as educate the public as to treatment options, and makes an appropriation for the campaign.

The bill has been amended once and referred to the Assembly Health Committee on January 3, 2018. It is similar in nature to S05831, which was referred to the Senate Finance Committee on January 3 as well.

BHAP supports this bill, as it helps educate the public about substance use disorders as an illness and attempts to reduce the stigma.

We encourage those who operate in the state of New York to reach out to your representative and show your support of this education bill.

For more information on the current laws governing treatment programs and sober living facilities in New York, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions for the state.

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