S3416D

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Fernandez to amend the Public Health Law and expand access to addiction treatment medications. The bill, Calendar Number 1482 (S3416D), passed on a 57-3 vote, with Senators Chan, Lanza, and Walczyk voting in opposition. The measure authorizes doctors and nurses to dispense up to three days of buprenorphine to patients presenting in crisis at hospitals and clinics, providing what Fernandez described as a crucial stabilization bridge for individuals seeking recovery. Fernandez argued the bill aligns New York with federal guidelines and addresses a critical gap in the state's addiction treatment infrastructure, preventing patients from leaving medical facilities without access to medication-assisted treatment. The legislation takes effect 90 days after becoming law.