New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A09549

Introduced
1/14/26  

Caption

Enacts "Jesse's law" to provide that a person subject to involuntary emergency admission for immediate observation, care, and treatment of mental illness shall have the right to select the hospital they are admitted to.

Impact

The introduction of Jesse's Law represents a significant shift in how involuntary admissions are handled within the state. Prior to this bill, individuals subjected to involuntary commitment had limited or no say in their choice of hospital, often leading to feelings of disempowerment and anxiety during a vulnerable time. By allowing patients to choose from certified hospitals within a certain distance, the bill aims to provide a sense of agency and comfort, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Additionally, it necessitates that the Department of Mental Hygiene compile and maintain an updated list of certified hospitals, which could streamline the process and ensure quicker access to appropriate care.

Summary

Bill A09549, titled 'Jesse's Law', seeks to amend New York's mental hygiene laws, specifically regarding the involuntary emergency admission of individuals alleged to be mentally ill. The bill grants individuals the right to choose which hospital they wish to be admitted to during involuntary removal by law enforcement, assuming the hospital meets certain criteria. This legislative measure is intended to empower patients and ensure their preferences are respected in critical moments of mental health crises, thereby enhancing the overall care experience in such distressing circumstances.

Contention

While the overarching intent of Jesse's Law is to enhance patient rights, there are concerns regarding its practical implementation and the potential strain on emergency services. Opponents of the bill may argue that allowing patients to select their hospital could lead to chaotic situations, especially if several individuals are in crisis simultaneously and have differing preferences. This change might require law enforcement and emergency responders to navigate complex scenarios where immediate decisions are critical, which may inadvertently delay necessary treatment. Furthermore, concerns related to hospital capacity and availability could also arise, necessitating further discussion on how to balance patient choice with effective emergency protocols.

Companion Bills

NY S01000

Same As Enacts "Jesse's law" to provide that a person subject to involuntary emergency admission for immediate observation, care, and treatment of mental illness shall have the right to select the hospital they are admitted to.

Previously Filed As

NY S01000

Enacts "Jesse's law" to provide that a person subject to involuntary emergency admission for immediate observation, care, and treatment of mental illness shall have the right to select the hospital they are admitted to.

NY S08040

Requires the Commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities to provide care for certain persons with developmental disabilities who have been admitted to hospitals or psychiatric facilities on an emergency basis.

NY A05452

Prohibits imposing imprisonment or other penalties or fines for sleeping or camping in public spaces; prohibits involuntary admission to a hospital for observation, care and treatment or deeming a person as posing a substantial risk of physical harm to themself for failing to provide their own essential needs solely due to the fact that such person is sleeping in or upon publicly-owned property which is open to the public at such time.

NY S10218

Relates to the hospitalization, care coordination, and assisted outpatient treatment for persons with mental illness by qualified clinical examiners or qualified mental health professionals; defines qualified clinical examiner and qualified mental health professional.

NY A08984

Requires the state board of law examiners to establish protocols for addressing emergencies that occur during the administration of the bar examination, and to provide testing accommodations for persons who have applied for examination for admission to practice and are the subject of, or a witness to, or are affected by the emergency.

NY S08848

Requires the state board of law examiners to establish protocols for addressing emergencies that occur during the administration of the bar examination, and to provide testing accommodations for persons who have applied for examination for admission to practice and are the subject of, or a witness to, or are affected by the emergency.

NY S09185

Establishes further procedures for assisted outpatient treatment and community adherence plans prior to a person being discharged from the plan; requires the office of mental health track data on assisted outpatient treatment orders; requires the commissioner of mental health create standardized forms for assisted outpatient discharge.

NY A10451

Establishes a bill of rights for the unhoused; provides that no person shall be denied certain rights because of a state of homelessness nor shall such persons be harassed, cited, fined, or arrested by law enforcement, security personnel, public employees, or private citizens for the exercise of certain rights; describes rights; provides for a bill of benefits of the unhoused for the free provision of a postal address and the right to juridical services to ensure protection from the violation of their protected rights; requires the office of temporary and disability assistance to create a pamphlet of such rights; makes related provisions.

NY SB171

Relating to involuntary civil commitment of persons with mental illness.

NY A03926

Enacts the medical civil rights act; provides that persons in the custody or control of a law enforcement officer, police officer, peace officer, correctional officer, or other law enforcement representative or entity who are experiencing an emergency medical condition or is medically unstable have the right to be provided with emergency medical services and that such officers, representatives, and entities have a duty to provide such services; provides an exception to such duty to provide emergency medical services.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.