What's happening
This bill allows paratransit applicants to use a physician's letter instead of an in-person assessment to qualify.
Why it matters
Expands access and reduces barriers. By allowing a recent physician's letter instead of requiring all applicants to attend an in-person assessment, the bill makes it easier—especially for individuals with mobility or health challenges—to apply for or renew paratransit services.
Speeds up the application process. Applicants could be approved more quickly since they no longer need to wait for an in-person appointment, potentially reducing wait times and administrative backlog.
Shifts responsibility to medical professionals. The bill relies on licensed physicians to verify eligibility, which could improve accuracy or, conversely, place greater pressure on doctors to assess transportation needs.
Requires new administrative rules. The transit authority will need to create clear guidelines for what the physician's correspondence must include, impacting how both doctors and applicants navigate the process.
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Who cares
Paratransit applicants and riders seeking recertification
They could submit a licensed physician’s correspondence dated within the preceding 30 days stating that paratransit is necessary instead of undergoing an in-person assessment.
Licensed physicians
Their correspondence could substitute for an in-person assessment and would need to meet the authority’s rules on form and content.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
It would have to issue rules governing the form and content of physician correspondence used in place of in-person paratransit assessments.
Headline styles
Easier Paratransit Applications
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
10772
IN ASSEMBLY
May 17, 2018
Introduced by M. of A. O'DONNELL -- read once and referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to paratransit services
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 1266 of the public authorities law is amended by adding a new subdivision 15-a to read as follows:
15-a. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual applying or recertifying for paratransit service, may, in lieu of an in-person assessment, submit correspondence from a licensed physician, dated within the preceding thirty days, indicating that paratransit service is necessary for such individual.
(b) The authority shall promulgate rules and regulations regarding the form and content of the licensed physician's correspondence pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subdivision.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD15831-01-8
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.