What's happening
This bill requires the establishment of best practice protocols for pediatricians to screen children for eating disorders in New York.
Why it matters
Standardizes Early Identification. By requiring the use of best practice protocols for pediatricians, the bill aims to catch eating disorders in children earlier—potentially leading to earlier interventions, better outcomes, and reduced long-term harm.
Medical Guidance Based on Expertise. Mandating that protocols incorporate standards from the American Academy of Pediatrics ensures that screening methods reflect up-to-date, expert-backed medical knowledge, not just local or outdated practices.
Ongoing Relevance and Improvement. The requirement to update protocols at least every two years means that recommendations will keep pace with new research and evolving understanding of eating disorders, making care more effective over time.
Statewide Consistency in Care. By setting a uniform approach across pediatric practices in New York, the bill reduces disparities in how (or whether) children are screened for eating disorders, promoting equity and potentially increasing access to necessary care.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Screen Children for Eating Disorders
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 38
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to health
- Referred to health
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5870
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
May 15, 2019
Introduced by Sen. CARLUCCI -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Health
AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to the screening of children for eating disorders
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The public health law is amended by adding a new section 2500-l to read as follows:
§ 2500-l. Eating disorders; screening of children. 1. The commissioner shall establish, for use by pediatric primary care providers, best practice protocols for early screening of children for eating disorders. Such protocols shall incorporate standards and guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and shall be updated at least biennially.
2. The commissioner shall promulgate any rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11726-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the screening of children for eating disorders
Summary of provisions
Section 1. The public health law is amended by adding a new section 2500-1 to read as follows:
§ 2500-1. Eating disorders; screening of children. 1. The commissioner shall establish, for use by pediatric primary care providers, best prac- tice protocols for early screening of children for eating disorders. Such protocols shall incorporate standards and guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and shall be updated at least bien- nially.
2. The commissioner shall promulgate any rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.
Section 2: Effective Date.
Justification
Currently, there is no standardized screening approach for the early identification of eating disorders. Screening is a way to detect a disorder before the onset of symptoms. Early detection may prevent psychological or physical concerns of malnutrition that may lead to other health consequences.
To promote and improve the early identification of eating disorders, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a report in 2003 that recommends screening for eating disorders "should be part of routine annual healthcare. Despite these recommendations, some busy pediatric practices do not consistently implement screening.
Early treatment of eating disorders can have a significantly positive impact on the health and well-being of children and adolescents.
Legislative history
New bill
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.