Bill

S 4997

Prohibits nursing homes and care facilities from denying admission to individuals receiving a controlled substance medication for a substance use disorder

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Harckham

Prohibits nursing homes and care facilities from denying admission to individuals solely because they are receiving controlled substance medications for a substance use disorder.

REFERRED TO HEALTH

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · S 4997

Summary of NYS Bill S 4997

Overview

Bill S 4997 proposes to prohibit nursing homes and care facilities from denying admission to individuals who are receiving a controlled substance medication for a substance use disorder (SUD). The measure aims to ensure access to long-term care and other essential services for people actively undergoing treatment for SUD.

Key Provisions

Prohibition on admission denial: Nursing homes and care facilities would not be allowed to deny admission to individuals solely because they are receiving a controlled substance medication for an SUD.
Scope: Applies to nursing homes and care facilities as defined in the bill. (Specific definitions are not provided in the summary.)
Enforcement details: The summary available does not include explicit enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or remedies. The full text would clarify any enforcement provisions, exceptions, or compliance timelines.

Affected Parties

Beneficiaries: Individuals with substance use disorders who are prescribed a controlled substance medication (for treatment) would be protected from admission denial for that reason.
Facilities: Nursing homes and other care facilities would be subject to the admission prohibition, potentially affecting admission policies and staff training.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: February 14, 2025.
Status: Referred to the Health Committee (noted once, with a duplicate entry in the actions section).
Current posture: Awaiting committee consideration; no floor action or final passage date provided in the current record.

Related Legislation

S 9088 (prior-session)
S 5369 (prior-session)

Potential Impact and Considerations

Access to care: The bill could reduce barriers to admission for individuals undergoing SUD treatment, promoting continuity of care.
Policy alignment: Aligns with broader efforts to prevent discrimination in access to health and long-term care services for people receiving treatment for substance use disorders.
Operational implications: Facilities may need to review and adjust admission policies, intake procedures, and staff training to ensure compliance and avoid inadvertent discrimination.
Gaps to review in full text: Definitions of “care facilities,” any listed exceptions, the exact enforcement framework, remedies for violations, and whether the measure interacts with federal/state health and anti-discrimination laws.

Next Steps for Readers

Monitor for the bill’s full text and any amendments as it progresses through the Health Committee.
Review any fiscal notes or impact analyses and public hearing summaries to understand cost and implementation considerations.

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