Requires the office of addiction services and supports to assure that persons who suffer from a substance use disorder have the right to seek and receive addiction services, care, treatment and rehabilitation services based on the individual's gender identity, gender expression and/or sexual orientation.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A4903
SPONSOR: Kelles TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to accessing
substance use disorder services based on the individual's gender identi-
ty, gender expression and/or sexual orientation
PURPOSE: To require substance use disorder services to provide treat-
ment services in accordance with a patient's gender identity or
expression and preference.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill amends Subdivision (c) of section 19.07 of the
mental hygiene law to require the Office of Addiction Services and
Supports to ensure that patients have the right to access substance use
disorder services based on their gender identity or expression, and
preferences.
Section 2 is the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
The LGBTQ community has elevated levels of substance use disorder.
Studies show that this disparity is caused by demographic, gender-relat-
ed, mental health, and socio-economic risk factors. This makes treatment
even more important for this group. Additionally, many in the LGBTQ
community, find it hard to access treatment that aligns with and affirms
their gender identity. This bill would help fix this problem and help
New Yorkers get the help they need to address their substance use disor-
der.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
