Posted on March 17, 2009
Chapter 36: This chapter extends, until March 31, 2013, a demonstration program related to ensuring that physicians who have substance abuse or mental health problems receive appropriate treatment. Originally enacted in 1983, the law exempts members of physician health committees organized within the Medical Society of the State of New York, the New York State Osteopathic Society or county medical societies from certain medical misconduct reporting requirements. A member is not required to report information pertaining to a physician’s alcoholism, drug abuse or mental illness, provided that such information was discovered solely as a result of the member’s participation on the committee. The chapter includes a corresponding extension regarding a requirement that an applicable physician health committee submit a report to the legislature and the commissioner of health detailing its activities. Signed by Governor Paterson on March 31, 2008, this chapter became effective immediately. (S.6999/A.10052)
