S7023A

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Rivera to overhaul how the Office of Professional Medical Conduct investigates allegations of sexual misconduct by healthcare providers, prompted by high-profile cases against OB-GYN Robert Hadden. The bill, Senate Print 7023A (Calendar No. 835), establishes a zero tolerance policy within the investigative office, requires hospitals to notify patients of allegations against providers, and addresses potential conflicts of interest in misconduct investigations. The measure passed on a 59-0 roll call vote. Sen. Rivera credited the bill's development to Michelle Castellanos-Ojeda, a staffer in his office who researched and drafted the legislation over several years. During floor debate, Sen. Helming supported the bill while urging the Senate majority to also bring Clara's Law (S1699) to a vote. That bill would require hospitals and healthcare facilities to report sexual offenses by healthcare workers to state departments of health and education, preventing abusers from moving between facilities without disclosure of their history. The bill takes effect 90 days after becoming law.