BILL NUMBER:S6852

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to direct the New York state department of health
to conduct a study on the incidences of asthma in cities having a popu-
lation of one hundred thousand or more and to prepare a report

PURPOSE:  To require the New York State Department of Health to conduct
a study on the incidences of asthma in cities having a population over
100,000 people. The study should be completed by September 20, 2015.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

§ 1. The commissioner of the New York State Department of Health shall
prepare a study of the incidences of asthma in all cities having a popu-
lation of one hundred thousand or more. The study and report shall
include a map of each city indicating incidents of asthma.

§ 2. The study shall be completed by September 30, 2015.

§ 3 Once the study is completed, the study and an interactive map of
each city indicating incidents of asthma shall be placed on the depart-
ment's website.

§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately.

JUSTIFICATION:  The Mayo Clinic defines Asthma as a "condition in which
              

your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make
breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of
breath."  The Mayo Clinic further states, "For some people, asthma is a
minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem that interferes
with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack."

Asthma rates have been surging in the United States for many years. On
October 12, 2013 The New York Times reported that Asthma affects about
40 million Americans making it the most common chronic disease that
affects Americans of all ages. The New York Times further stated that,
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts the annual cost of
asthma in the United States at more than $56 billion, including millions
of potentially avoidable hospital visits and more than 3,300 deaths..."

Asthma rates tend to be higher in urban areas with clusters in poorer
neighborhoods. This bill will require the Department of Health to
research the depth of the Asthma crisis in New York's cities and
pinpoint the areas of Asthma clusters.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: New Bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: Minimal cost to the State.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

Immediately.