New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A06627

Introduced
3/6/25  
Refer
3/6/25  

Caption

Expands the definition of mental health care provider for the purposes of the penal law; expands the conditions under which a person is deemed incapable of consent.

Impact

The proposed amendments will specifically address how sexual offenses involving mental health care providers are categorized and penalized under New York law. By broadening the definition of mental health professionals, this bill may enhance legal recourse for victims who believe they have been wronged within a professional therapeutic context. This will also create a more comprehensive set of guidelines and potentially increase accountability among those providing mental health services.

Summary

Bill A06627, introduced in the Assembly, aims to amend the penal law regarding sex offenses involving mental health care providers. Specifically, the bill expands the definition of a mental health care provider to include not only licensed physicians and psychologists but also other professionals who may hold themselves out as licensed, such as social workers and marriage therapists. This change is intended to provide better protection for patients by ensuring that there is a clear legal framework governing the conduct of various types of mental health providers during treatment sessions.

Contention

Notably, there may be concerns regarding the implications of such an expansion. Critics may argue that the broader definition could lead to potential overreach, where legitimate interactions within therapeutic settings could be mischaracterized as misconduct. This could pose a risk to the relationship between practitioners and patients, possibly causing hesitation in treatment due to fear of legal repercussions for professionals. The discussions surrounding these points of contention will be crucial as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

NY S03760

Same As Expands the definition of mental health care provider for the purposes of the penal law; expands the conditions under which a person is deemed incapable of consent.

Previously Filed As

NY S03760

Expands the definition of mental health care provider for the purposes of the penal law; expands the conditions under which a person is deemed incapable of consent.

NY S01543

Expands the definition of mental health care provider to include licensed psychoanalysts, creative arts therapists and behavior analysts for purposes of certain sex offenses committed during a treatment session, consultation, interview, or examination.

NY S09782

Relates to expanding the persons responsible for reporting cases of suspected child abuse to include employees, volunteers, or agents of any corporate entity having an agreement with a municipality as a tier II facility or any other shelter providing temporary housing to persons under the age of 18.

NY H4895

Expanding access to mental health services

NY S773

Expanding access to mental health services

NY H1131

Expanding access to mental health services

NY S09858

Amends the definition of mental health care provider for purposes of sex offenses to include persons who are, or are required to be, licensed or registered or holds themselves out to be licensed or registered, or provides services as if they were licensed or registered as a physician, psychologist, professional nurse, clinical social worker, master social worker under the supervision of a physician, psychologist or licensed clinical social worker, licensed mental health counselor or a licensed marriage and family therapist.

NY A10940

Amends the definition of mental health care provider for purposes of sex offenses to include persons who are, or are required to be, licensed or registered or holds themselves out to be licensed or registered, or provides services as if they were licensed or registered as a physician, psychologist, professional nurse, clinical social worker, master social worker under the supervision of a physician, psychologist or licensed clinical social worker, licensed mental health counselor or a licensed marriage and family therapist.

NY A05894

Defines mental health practitioners with diagnostic authority for the purposes of providing services under the workers' compensation law; includes such practitioners as providers.

NY S06912

Defines mental health practitioners with diagnostic authority for the purposes of providing services under the workers' compensation law; includes such practitioners as providers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.