Relates to course work or training in early recognition of and intervention for eating disorders

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill adds a new section 6505-d of the education law to require physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, psychiatrists, psychologist, licensed master social worker, licensed clinical social workers, licensed mental health counselors, licensed marriage therapist, licensed family therapist, licensed dentist, licensed nutritionist, and licensed psychoanalysts practicing in New York to complete coursework or training approved by the department regarding the early recognition of and intervention for eating disorders beginning on or before July 1, 2011. The department shall provide exemptions to anyone requesting one who demonstrates there is no need for them to be trained, they've created equivalent training or some other good cause prevents completion of the training.

Section 2 of the bill amends Sec. 2805-k to include a reference to of this bill so that a hospital or facility receives documentation of appropriate training when granting or renewing privileges.

Section 3 of the bill provides that it shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall become law.

Existing law

Comprehensive Care Centers for Eating Disorders are established pursuant to Article 27-J of the public health law. The Child performer Advisory Board to Prevent Eating Disorders is established pursuant to Section 154 of the labor law.

Justification

According to the National Eating Disorder Association, there are as many as 10 million females and 1 million males in the united States fighting a life and death battle with anorexia or bulimia and another 25 million with binge-eating disorder. Millions practice disordered eating due to an obsession with dieting. over the years these numbers have continued to rise, along with the stigma and lack of awareness of eating disorders.

The peak onset of eating disorders occurs during puberty and the late teen/early adult years, but symptoms can occur as young as kindergarten. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, eating disorders are serious illnesses with a biological basis modified and influenced by emotional and cultural factors. Eating disorders are preventable and treatable, yet hundreds of people die

from them each year. Anorexia has the highest morality rate of any mental illness.

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses often with severe physical consequences. They also cross all racial lines. A recent 10 year study found that African American girls are 50% more likely to be bulimic than are Caucasian girls. Sadly, many of these and other cases go undetected and untreated.

New York State recognizes the importance of addressing this problem and has already taken some important first steps. In 2004 the Legislature established and funded a network of Comprehensive Care Centers for Eating Disorders around the state. In 2007 the Legislature took another step and established the Child Performer Advisory Board to prevent Eating Disorders. This board is expected to report its recommendations in the near future.

Despite the State's leadership role in this area, many misconceptions and misdiagnosis continue to surround eating disorders. New York State must take the next step and pass this bill to ensure that our health care professionals are given the appropriate training and resources to adequately identify eating disorders and intervene so that these diseases are caught early and lives are saved.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become law.