New York Senate Bill S07983

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/25
• Refer: 5/15/25

Caption

Relates to required notification of an incarcerated individual's emergency contacts when such incarcerated individual experiences a serious medical event; provides that incarcerated individuals and their representatives shall have the right to access such incarcerated individual's medical records; provides requirements for access to such medical records; establishes an independent medical oversight body to monitor and evaluate the quality of medical care provided to incarcerated individuals within correctional facilities and to ensure compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements for adequate medical care; provides penalties for certain violations; requires the department of corrections and community supervision to collect data on medical incidents, response times, and correctional facility compliance with certain requirements, and to publish an annual report detailing such data.

Impact

This legislation introduces significant amendments to the correction law, specifically concerning the access to medical records by incarcerated individuals and their designated representatives. It guarantees that these individuals can request their medical records and receive them in a timely manner, thereby promoting transparency in medical treatment within correctional facilities. A new independent medical oversight body will also be established to evaluate the quality of medical care provided to incarcerated individuals and to ensure that correctional facilities comply with constitutional and statutory requirements. This oversight aims to reduce instances of inadequate medical care, delays in treatment, and insufficient communication with families.

Summary

Bill S07983, known as the 'McDow Watson medical transparency in correctional facilities act,' aims to address critical deficiencies in the medical care provided to incarcerated individuals in New York State. The bill contains comprehensive provisions that ensure timely notification of emergency contacts when a serious medical event occurs within correctional facilities. It mandates the establishment of clear procedures for maintaining up-to-date emergency contact information for incarcerated individuals, thus reinforcing their rights and ensuring that their families are notified of significant medical issues promptly.

Contention

Notably, the bill addresses previously documented cases of medical neglect within New York correctional facilities, which have drawn public and legislative scrutiny. The intent is to create enforceable guidelines for notifying families of medical emergencies, accessing medical records, and establishing an oversight body to audit the medical services being provided. However, the bill may face challenges regarding the additional burdens placed on correctional facilities to comply with these new regulations, prompting discussions about resource allocation and the potential impact on facility operations.