Senate votes on multiple healthcare bills including Rare Disease Advisory Council

The Senate Standing Committee on Health convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss several significant health-related bills, with a focus on transparency in Medicaid procedures and the establishment of advisory councils for rare diseases.

One of the key discussions centered around a bill aimed at amending the Medicaid Evidence Based Benefit Review Advisory Committee (EBAC) process. This bill seeks to enhance transparency in how new Medicaid procedures are approved, addressing concerns about the lack of clarity in the current system. Senator Gallagher emphasized the importance of pursuing this legislation, especially in light of previous vetoes by the governor. He expressed hope that the administration would eventually support the bill, which has previously passed the legislature unanimously.

The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 1287, which proposes the establishment of a Rare Disease Advisory Council. This initiative aims to provide a structured approach to addressing the needs of individuals with rare diseases, ensuring that their voices are heard in health policy discussions.

Another notable bill discussed was Senate Bill 1571A, which seeks to expand funding for abortion services and related travel expenses for New York State residents who are active duty members of the armed forces or their dependents. The bill sparked questions regarding the definition of residency, highlighting the need for clarity in eligibility criteria for the proposed benefits.

Additionally, Senate Bill 1714 aims to prohibit the use of the term "excited delirium" as a diagnosis or cause of death, reflecting ongoing discussions about the appropriateness of certain medical terminology in public health law.

The committee moved several bills forward, with motions made and seconded for each, indicating a collaborative effort among senators to address pressing health issues in New York. The outcomes of these discussions will be crucial as they move to the next stages of the legislative process, potentially impacting health policy and services across the state.