New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08487

Introduced
8/22/25  

Caption

Establishes a Legionnaires' disease awareness and education program on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Legionnaires' disease.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would enhance the state's public health infrastructure by ensuring that residents are informed about Legionnaires' disease, which can lead to severe health complications if not diagnosed early. This increased awareness is expected to lead to better health outcomes, as earlier recognition and treatment of the disease could lower hospitalization rates and improve recovery times. Additionally, the bill provides a framework for the state's health department to remain responsive to advancements in knowledge and best practices regarding Legionnaires' disease by periodically reviewing and updating educational resources.

Summary

Bill S08487 aims to establish a comprehensive awareness and education program for Legionnaires' disease under New York's public health law. The program's primary goal is to inform the public, healthcare providers, and patients about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for this serious respiratory disease. The legislation mandates the state's health department to produce and distribute educational materials that outline the risks associated with Legionnaires' disease and ensure that healthcare providers actively share this critical information with their patients. It will also include an ongoing internet resource for public access to accurate and updated information regarding Legionnaires' disease.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on health education, points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of resources for its implementation, which is contingent on available appropriations. Concerns could include whether the health department has adequate funding to sustain the education program over the long term and ensure that it remains effective. Furthermore, stakeholders may debate the responsibilities of healthcare providers in distributing these materials and the program’s overall efficacy in reducing the prevalence of Legionnaires' disease in the state.

Companion Bills

NY A09054

Same As Establishes a Legionnaires' disease awareness and education program on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Legionnaires' disease.

Previously Filed As

NY S01776

Requires annual inspections in certain locations by the department of health for the presence of Legionnaires' disease.

NY A01087

Establishes a uterine fibroids awareness and education program on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids and the elevated risk for minority women.

NY S03219

Establishes a uterine fibroids awareness and education program on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids and the elevated risk for minority women.

NY A10048

Establishes a uterine fibroids awareness and education program on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids and the elevated risk for minority women.

NY A00804

Relates to providing funding for combating legionnaires' disease in cities having a population of one million or more; appropriates money therefor.

NY S05772

Establishes the New York state celiac disease awareness and research fund; provides for education on celiac disease awareness.

NY A03122

Establishes an Alzheimer's disease outreach and education program.

NY S06504

Establishes an Alzheimer's disease outreach and education program.

NY A09539

Requires insurers to provide insurance coverage for treatment of rare diseases, life-threatening conditions or diseases, degenerative and disabling conditions, or diagnoses involving medically fragile children, by a provider of the patient's choice.

NY S08957

Requires insurers to provide insurance coverage for treatment of rare diseases, life-threatening conditions or diseases, degenerative and disabling conditions, or diagnoses involving medically fragile children, by a provider of the patient's choice.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.