New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S04903

Introduced
2/14/25  
Refer
2/14/25  
Engrossed
6/10/25  
Refer
6/10/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Engrossed
5/29/26  

Caption

Enacts the "Shepherd Patterson notification act"; requires a physician who treats a minor patient with a medical condition that may cause a disability to provide certain educational information to such patient's parents or guardians indicating such minor is entitled to a free and appropriate public education as defined under section five hundred four of the federal rehabilitation act of nineteen hundred seventy-three; makes related provisions.

Impact

The enactment of S04903 is expected to solidify communication between healthcare and educational institutions, ensuring that families are alerted to education options available for children with disabilities. This educational advocacy aims to enhance awareness and understanding of rights that can lead to better support and resources for affected minors. Furthermore, the requirement for practitioners to provide this information promotes a standard of care that addresses the comprehensive needs of patients, particularly those who may face educational challenges due to medical conditions.

Summary

Bill S04903, known as the Shepherd Patterson Notification Act, aims to amend the public health law to ensure that parents or guardians of minor patients diagnosed with medical conditions potentially leading to disabilities are informed about their rights regarding education accommodations. The bill mandates that healthcare providers give certain educational information to these parents at the time of treatment. This notification will inform them of their child's entitlement to a free and appropriate public education as defined by federal law, which could include necessary accommodations for disabled students.

Contention

Discussion surrounding S04903 primarily revolved around the implications of mandating healthcare professionals to deliver educational information. Supporters argue that early notification can significantly benefit both the well-being of the child and the educational staff by enabling proactive measures to address disabilities. However, some concerns were raised regarding the practicality of such requirements, particularly the potential burden on healthcare providers to facilitate additional educational resources, which are critical to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for the minority population suffering from disabilities. The bill garnered unanimous support during the final Senate vote, indicating a strong legislative consensus on the importance of educational rights for minors with disabilities.

Companion Bills

NY A10421

Same As Enacts the "Shepherd Patterson notification act"; requires a physician who treats a minor patient with a medical condition that may cause a disability to provide certain educational information to such patient's parents or guardians indicating such minor is entitled to a free and appropriate public education as defined under section five hundred four of the federal rehabilitation act of nineteen hundred seventy-three; makes related provisions.

Previously Filed As

NY A10421

Enacts the "Shepherd Patterson notification act"; requires a physician who treats a minor patient with a medical condition that may cause a disability to provide certain educational information to such patient's parents or guardians indicating such minor is entitled to a free and appropriate public education as defined under section five hundred four of the federal rehabilitation act of nineteen hundred seventy-three; makes related provisions.

NY A863

Requires parents and guardians be provided access medical records of minor patients.

NY S1979

Requires parents and guardians be provided access to medical records of minor patients; provides immunity to health care facilities and professionals that provide access to records.

NY A895

Requires parents and guardians be provided access to medical records of minor patients; provides immunity to health care facilities and professionals that provide access to records.

NY A09515

Relates to requirements for medical professionals and health care facilities that provide medication to patients for medical aid in dying; extends the initial effectiveness of certain provisions relating thereto.

NY S08835

Relates to requirements for medical professionals and health care facilities that provide medication to patients for medical aid in dying; extends the initial effectiveness of certain provisions relating thereto.

NY S07879

Establishes a duty to inform certain patients about the risks associated with cesarean section for patients undergoing a planned or unplanned primary cesarean section.

NY HB2884

Parental rights in health care; minor child's health care consultations; parental abuse exception; Attorney General enforcement; relief; immunity; physician and psychotherapist patient privilege; minor cannot refuse to disclose information to their parent or legal guardian; disclosure of confidential information, privileges, and testimony in hearings; parent or legal guardian's consent is required; disclosure of information and exceptions; right of self-consent under certain conditions and doctor-patient privileges; minors can consent without a parent or legal guardian; effective date.

NY HB2884

Parental rights in health care; minor child's health care consultations; parental abuse exception; Attorney General enforcement; relief; immunity; physician and psychotherapist patient privilege; minor cannot refuse to disclose information to their parent or legal guardian; disclosure of confidential information, privileges, and testimony in hearings; parent or legal guardian's consent is required; disclosure of information and exceptions; right of self-consent under certain conditions and doctor-patient privileges; minors can consent without a parent or legal guardian; effective date.

NY A01039

Establishes a duty to inform certain patients about the risks associated with cesarean section for patients undergoing a planned or unplanned primary cesarean section.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.