Authorizes the commissioner of health to make grants for purposes of preventing transmission of tick-borne diseases on public lands frequented by humans; requires the commissioner to submit an annual report on the performance of programs funded by such grants.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend the public health law by introducing a new section that facilitates grant provision for tick-borne disease prevention efforts. The commissioner will consult with environmental and park agencies to allocate these grants, ensuring that resources are directed towards effective and safe prevention strategies. This initiative aims to reduce the prevalence and transmission of tick-borne diseases, thus potentially impacting the health and safety of residents and visitors in affected areas.
Summary
A10347 is a legislative measure that aims to enhance public health initiatives by authorizing the commissioner of health to provide grants specifically for the prevention of tick-borne diseases on public lands frequented by humans, such as state parks and trails. The bill emphasizes the importance of preventive measures against the spread of these diseases, which pose significant health risks to the population. It reflects a growing awareness of the impact of environmental factors on public health and the need for proactive approaches to disease management.
Contention
The discussions surrounding A10347 have highlighted various points of contention regarding the allocation and effectiveness of funds in combating tick-borne diseases. Some stakeholders express concerns about the adequacy of the resources provided versus the actual needs of the communities most affected by these diseases. Additionally, there may be debates over the prioritization of these public health measures in relation to other pressing issues within the state's health and environmental policies. The requirement for the commissioner to submit an annual report will provide a mechanism for accountability but may also spark further scrutiny regarding the program's outcomes and efficiency.
Same As
Authorizes the commissioner of health to make grants for purposes of preventing transmission of tick-borne diseases on public lands frequented by humans; requires the commissioner to submit an annual report on the performance of programs funded by such grants.
Authorizes the commissioner of health to make grants for purposes of preventing transmission of tick-borne diseases on public lands frequented by humans; requires the commissioner to submit an annual report on the performance of programs funded by such grants.
Requires the commissioner of labor, in consultation with the commissioner of agriculture and markets, commissioner of health and the commissioner of environmental conservation, to develop instructional tools and materials for occupations at high-risk of tick exposures; requires such materials to provide information on the identification of ticks and tick removal, and protection from tick bites; requires such materials to be available to high-risk employers and employees at no charge.
Requires the commissioner of labor, in consultation with the commissioner of health and the commissioner of environmental conservation, to develop instructional tools and materials for industries at high-risk for occupational tick exposures; requires such materials to provide information on the identification of ticks and tick removal, and protection from tick bites; requires such materials to be available to high-risk employers and employees at no charge.
Requires health insurers to provide coverage for long term medical care for Lyme disease and other tick borne related pathogens; provides for taxpayer gifts for tick borne illness research, detection and education; establishes the tick borne illness research, detection and education fund.
Requires the office of victim services to publicize programs offered by the office and to include certain information in annual reports to the governor and the legislature and to make such reports public on the office's website.
Requires the office of victim services to publicize programs offered by the office and to include certain information in annual reports to the governor and the legislature and to make such reports public on the office's website.