Assembly approves technical changes to shield law to strengthen provider protections
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Summary
The Assembly passed a chapter amendment refining the shield law: it extends notice timelines to five business days, clarifies professional‑liability coverage and reduces per‑violation penalties; the measure passed 95‑50.
The Assembly voted to adopt a chapter amendment to Senate bill 8807 that adjusts technical components of New York's shield‑law protections for providers, particularly around notice to the attorney general and professional‑liability coverage. The amendment passed by recorded vote, Ayes 95, Nays 50.
Sponsor Mister Bronson said the change standardizes notice timelines to five business days to allow health‑care providers time to consult counsel and notify the attorney general’s office if an out‑of‑state subpoena or information request arrives. "That would allow the health care provider additional time so that their attorneys could look at the legal instrument," Bronson said.
The chapter amendment also broadened coverage protections from solely medical malpractice policies to any applicable professional‑liability insurance, and reduced the penalty for intentional violations from $15,000 to $10,000 per violation, changes the sponsor said reflected executive‑branch discussions to ensure conformity and practicality.
Opponents argued the underlying bill had already generated partisan debate last year; proponents said the technical fixes clarify enforcement and align protections with the original law's intent. The vote was recorded Ayes 95, Nays 50.
What happens next: The changes take effect immediately; agencies and insurers will apply the clarified protections and revised notice timeline in state practice and enforcement.
