What's happening
Writing a plain-English summary… Track this bill to get it by email.
Why it matters
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to alcoholism and drug abuse
- Referred to alcoholism and drug abuse
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Creates the chemical dependence treatment bill of rights to be posted in a conspicuous place in all treatment facilities
In Assembly Committee · Alcoholism And Drug Abuse · Sponsor Felix Ortiz
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S1543
Title of bill
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to creating a chemical dependence treatment bill of rights
Purpose or general idea of bill
To ensure that patients of chemical dependence treatment facilities are accorded appropriate rights.
Summary of specific provisions
The mental hygiene law is amended by adding a new subdivision (d) to section 22.03, containing a list of rights which patients of chemical dependence treatment are entitled.
Section 1: These rights shall be posed in places throughout the facility or program and every patient shall be given a copy.
The Bill Rights shall include but not be limited to - Every patient has the right:
*To participated in developing an individualized plan of treatment and to request a review of the treatment plan by another clinician.
*To receive an explanation of services in accordance with the treatment plan.
*To be fully informed of the proposed treatment plan.
*To object to or terminate treatment unless otherwise directed by court order.
*To privacy in treatment and in caring for personal needs, to have confidentiality in the treatment of personal and medical records, and to have security in storing possessions.
*To have access to treatment records.
*To receive courteous, fair, and respectful treatment that is appropriate to individual needs.
*To be treated in a manner that is free from abuse, discrimination, mistreatment, and exploitation.
*Civil and religious liberties shall not be infringed upon and facility or staff shall encourage and assist in the fullest exercise of these rights.
*To be free to report grievances regarding services or staff
Section 2: The act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall have become a law, with provisions.
Justification
It is essential that a stigmatized group such as persons suffering from chemical dependency be entitled to the same type of rights and protections that are afforded to persons seeking other forms of medical care. Clearly enumerating the rights that persons in treatment are entitled to will help to provide essential protections to a vulnerable population.
Prior legislative history
2013-2014: S.913 (Parker) A. 1777 (Ortiz) - Referred to Alcohol and Drug Abuse 2011-12: S.4447/A.48 - Passed the Assembly/ Died in Finance 2009-10: A.8075 - Referred to Alcoholism and Drug Abuse 2007-06: A.10699 - Referred to Alcoholism and Drug Abuse 2005-06: A.9766A - Passed Assembly
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
To be determined.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law, provided however that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.