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Bill

S 6210

Directs the department of health to establish a right to preventative maintenance of wheelchairs program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Ashby and 6 co-sponsors

Creates New York DOH program guaranteeing the right to preventive wheelchair maintenance for eligible residents, reducing breakdowns and preserving independence and safety.

REFERRED TO CONSUMER PROTECTION
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Bill Summary · S 6210

Summary of Bill S 6210

Overview

Bill S 6210 would direct the New York Department of Health (DOH) to establish a program that creates a right to preventive maintenance for wheelchairs. The stated aim is to ensure wheelchair users have access to ongoing preventive care and services necessary to keep their mobility devices functioning safely and reliably. The bill was introduced on March 6, 2025 and referred to the Consumer Protection Committee. A companion Assembly bill, A 7595, exists.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a statutory obligation for DOH to create a program guaranteeing a right to preventive maintenance of wheelchairs for eligible New York residents who rely on wheelchairs.
  • Build the framework for regular maintenance to help prevent breakdowns, extend device lifespan, and support independence and safety for wheelchair users.
  • Create a mechanism for implementing standards, access, and oversight through regulatory action.

Key Provisions (What the bill would do)

Note: The specific regulatory details would be developed by DOH. The bill directs DOH to establish the program and set the necessary rules and procedures to implement it.

  • Direct DOH to design and implement a program that enshrines a right to preventive maintenance for wheelchairs.
  • Require DOH to determine the scope of preventive maintenance services, provider qualifications, eligibility criteria, and delivery mechanisms (to be articulated in implementing regulations).
  • Task DOH with regulatory development, including standards for service delivery, reporting, and oversight.
  • Establish coordination mechanisms with existing health programs or insurers as appropriate (details to be specified by DOH in regulations).
  • Create enforcement or accountability measures to ensure program compliance and access.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Individuals in New York who rely on wheelchairs and would benefit from preventive maintenance services.
  • Caregivers and family members who assist wheelchair users.
  • Service providers (maintenance and repair professionals) and mobility equipment suppliers.
  • Payers and insurers, including public programs administered by DOH, which may be affected by program requirements or coverage expectations.

Legislative Process and Timeline

  • Introduced: March 6, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the Consumer Protection Committee.
  • Related/Companion: Assembly counterpart is A 7595 (also listed as companion).

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Public Health and Quality of Life: By ensuring regular maintenance, the bill could reduce device failures, prevent injuries, and support continued independence for wheelchair users.
  • Economic Considerations: Implementing the program would involve DOH rulemaking and potential administrative costs; the impact on Medicaid, state funding, or private coverage would depend on the final program design.
  • Implementation Timelines: If enacted, DOH would need time to develop regulations, establish provider networks, and set eligibility and payment mechanisms, followed by potential phased implementation.

Sponsors include primary sponsor Jake Ashby and cosponsors Robert Rolison, William Weber, Anthony H. Palumbo, Steve Rhoads, Pamela Helming, and Peter Oberacker. The companion Assembly bill is A 7595.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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