BILL NUMBER:  S3272A

 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 population 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 30, 2018.

 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
population 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, 2018.

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

§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
              

 EXISTING LAW :

The commissioner is not currently directed to prepare such a report.

 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 :

2015 - Passed Senate

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

No substantial cost to state

 LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

None

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.