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A 4839

Requires OPWDD to purchase and provide essential PPE to all mental health providers in the event of a declaration of a state emergency that relates to public health

2025 Regular Session Introduced by William Colton and 4 co-sponsors

OPWDD must buy and distribute essential PPE to all mental health providers during a state public health emergency.

REFERRED TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
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Bill Summary · A 4839

Summary of Bill A 4839

Overview

  • Bill Number: A 4839
  • Title: Requires OPWDD to purchase and provide essential PPE to all mental health providers in the event of a declaration of a state emergency that relates to public health
  • Status: Referred to the Committee on People with Disabilities
  • Introduced: February 6, 2025
  • Sponsor Line:
    • Primary: Angelo Santabarbara
    • Cosponsors: MaryJane Shimsky, Brian Manktelow, William Colton, Joe DeStefano
  • Related Bills (prior-session): A 7359, A 5971

Purpose and Intent

The bill would obligate the New York Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to purchase and distribute essential personal protective equipment (PPE) to all mental health providers during a state-declared public health emergency. The aim is to ensure continuity of mental health services and protect both providers and recipients from infection or exposure risks during emergencies.

Key Provisions (highlights)

  • Trigger for Action: The procurement and distribution of PPE by OPWDD is activated specifically during a state public health emergency.
  • Scope of Assistance: All mental health providers—presumably within the state’s jurisdiction—would receive essential PPE through OPWDD.
  • Nature of PPE: The bill refers to “essential PPE” but does not specify items in the summary. The definitions and items would presumably be detailed in the bill’s text or in implementing regulations.
  • Administration: OPWDD is charged with purchasing and providing PPE, implying a centralized procurement and distribution role during emergencies.
  • Timing: Action occurs only during a declared state emergency related to public health; no ongoing obligation outside such emergencies (based on the bill’s description).

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary Agency: New York OPWDD
  • Beneficiaries: Mental health providers receiving PPE; individuals who rely on mental health services, including those served by OPWDD programs.
  • Fiscal/Operational Impact: Shifts PPE procurement and distribution responsibilities to OPWDD during emergencies; potential funding implications for emergency PPE purchases and logistics.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Initiation: Activated upon a state public health emergency declaration.
  • Duration: Applies during the emergency period; does not specify post-emergency procedures in the summary but would depend on the bill’s full text.
  • Reporting/Oversight: Not specified in the summary; likely addressed in the bill text or subsequent regulations.

Legislative Context

  • The measure has been introduced and referred to the Committee on People with Disabilities.
  • Related bills from prior sessions (A 7359 and A 5971) suggest a continuing interest in PPE provisioning during emergencies, potentially with similar scope or policy goals.

What to monitor

  • The exact definition of “essential PPE” and the scope of “mental health providers” covered by the bill.
  • How funding is authorized or appropriated for PPE purchases.
  • Any amendments clarifying timing, distribution logistics, and coordination with other state agencies.

This summary captures the bill’s stated purpose and its substantive implications based on the available information.

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

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