New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A10371

Introduced
3/3/26  

Caption

Expands the circumstances where direct support staff can administer medications

Impact

The implication of this bill on state laws is significant, as it allows for more flexibility in medication administration by non-licensed personnel under specific conditions and proper supervision. It mandates that direct support staff complete relevant training and ensures that adequate nursing supervision is provided, which is designed to mitigate risks associated with medication administration. The changes would empower direct support staff to take on more responsibilities, subject to oversight, which could alleviate some of the administrative burdens on healthcare professionals.

Summary

Bill A10371 aims to amend the education law in New York, expanding the circumstances under which direct support staff may administer medications to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This bill is a response to the growing need for accessible healthcare support within programs certified by the office for people with developmental disabilities. By broadening the scope of allowed activities for direct support staff, the bill intends to enhance service delivery and provide better care for vulnerable populations.

Contention

Notable points of contention around Bill A10371 revolve around the adequacy of training and supervision required for direct support staff. Critics are concerned about the potential risks of having unlicensed personnel administer medications, particularly in complex cases or emergencies. Additionally, there are discussions about whether the proposed protocols are robust enough to ensure patient safety or if they might lead to challenges in maintaining quality care amidst a strained healthcare system. Advocates for individuals with disabilities emphasize the need for stringent guidelines and accountability measures to protect the wellbeing of those served.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A2207

The "Certified Medication Aide in Nursing Homes Staffing Support Act;" authorizes certified medication aides to administer medications to nursing home residents.

NY S2858

The "Certified Medication Aide in Nursing Homes Staffing Support Act;" authorizes certified medication aides to administer medications to nursing home residents.

NY S08033

Prohibits incarcerated individuals who are determined to suffer from a substance use disorder for which there is no FDA approved addiction medications from being administered medication approved for a different disorder.

NY S08875

Directs the director of the office of the aging to establish a caregiver crisis hotline to provide emotional support resources for informal caregivers of a person in need of assistance.

NY S08371

Relates to the release of student education records to juvenile detention facilities; provides that where a student has been directed to be held in a juvenile detention facility pursuant to a court order, the educational agency where such student attends school at the time of such direction shall, upon request of the juvenile detention facility where such student is held, disclose such educational records to educational program personnel at such facility without consent of the parent or eligible student under certain circumstances.

NY A11178

Authorizes distinctive license plates for women veterans; directs that excess service charges collected be used to support programs that support women veterans at the direction of the commissioner of veterans' services.

NY S09404

Directs the department of health to establish and administer a program for the certification, operation, and oversight of two prescribed pediatric extended care centers to provide supportive services to medically stable and medically complex children who require continual care.

NY H1567

Insulin Administration by Direct Support Professionals and Relatives

NY A10258

Directs the department of health to establish and administer a program for the certification, operation, and oversight of two prescribed pediatric extended care centers to provide supportive services to medically stable and medically complex children who require continual care.

NY S00893

Relates to the use of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes; imposes limits as to time and documentation; requires informed consent under certain circumstances.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.