S1476A

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring healthcare professionals under investigation for professional misconduct to notify patients of their investigation status. Senate Print 1476A, sponsored by Sen. Krueger, amends the Public Health Law to mandate disclosure when doctors, nurses, and other licensed healthcare professionals face investigation by the Office of Professional Medical Conduct or a court for misconduct including sexual abuse and other inappropriate behavior. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026. Krueger said the measure addresses a critical gap in patient protection, citing the case of a New York Presbyterian physician who sexually abused patients for decades without notification. "All this bill does is say if you are one of those professionals in this situation, you have to provide notice to new and returning patients so that they know you're under investigation and they can make their own decision whether they still want to use you," Krueger said. The bill passed on a voice vote with 57 senators voting in favor.