Includes whether an individual was in custody on the death certificate for such individual; requires such information to be included in the publicly available statistics published on the website of the department of health.
Impact
If enacted, this legislation would have significant implications for how deaths involving law enforcement agencies are recorded and reported in New York State. The requirement to include custodial status on death certificates and the publication of this information on public platforms are intended to provide better insights into the frequency and nature of these fatalities. Supporters argue that this increased transparency could lead to heightened scrutiny of law enforcement practices and ultimately contribute to systemic reforms aimed at preventing unnecessary deaths in custody.
Summary
Bill S07587 aims to amend the public health law by requiring the addition of specific information on death certificates regarding whether the deceased individual was in the custody of law enforcement or a correctional facility at the time of death. This amendment reflects a growing concern about the accountability and transparency of law enforcement practices, particularly relating to individuals who die while in custody. By including such information, the bill seeks to enhance data collection on deaths in custody, thereby providing a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding these deaths, which may assist in policy-making and reform efforts.
Contention
While the bill aims to bolster transparency and accountability, it may also face opposition from certain law enforcement groups and agencies. Critics may argue that the requirement could stigmatize law enforcement personnel and create biases against them without sufficient context. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the potential misuse of the data and the implications for the families involved. Balancing the need for accountability and the rights of individuals may be a central point of contention in discussions surrounding this bill.
Includes whether an individual was in custody on the death certificate for such individual; requires such information to be included in the publicly available statistics published on the website of the department of health.
Requires the commissioner of health to publish certain information relating to home care services usage on the department's website on an annual basis including the number of individuals receiving care, those that have had permanent transfers and aggregated service usage.
Requires the commissioner of health to publish certain information relating to home care services usage on the department's website on an annual basis including the number of individuals receiving care, those that have had permanent transfers and aggregated service usage.
Requires the publication of notice within twenty-four hours of the death of an incarcerated individual or any other individual occurring in the custody of the department of corrections and community supervision by department press release by posting on the department's public website.
Requires the publication of notice within twenty-four hours of the death of an incarcerated individual or any other individual occurring in the custody of the department of corrections and community supervision by department press release by posting on the department's public website.
Relates to the publication of immunization information; requires schools to provide immunization information to the commissioner of health; requires the department of health to make immunization information, including rates of immunization, available on its website.
Relates to the publication of immunization information; requires schools to provide immunization information to the commissioner of health; requires the department of health to make immunization information, including rates of immunization, available on its website.
Requires the office of mental health to create a mental health evaluation form to determine whether arrested individuals have the proper mental capacity to make decisions regarding their arrest; requires arrested individuals to be given such mental health evaluation form; directs that if an individual fails such mental health evaluation, a representative will be appointed for such individual regarding arrest proceedings.