BILL NUMBER:  S6481

 TITLE OF BILL :

An act to amend the New York city charter, in relation to experimental
medical testing of children

 PURPOSE :

The proposed legislation prohibits the use of children under the
supervision of New York City Administration for Children Services
(ACS) to be used as subjects for experimental drug trials involving
greater than minimal risk if there is not a direct benefit to the
child.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section 617 of the New York City charter is amended by adding a new
subdivision C, in which the commissioner shall be required to obtain a
court order granting the commissioner authority to consent to
experimental medical testing on behalf of children under the care
and/or control of the administration of children's services. The
court, in granting such order of consent, shall consider whether the
experimental medical testing: (1) poses a minimal risk to the child
undergoing such testing; and (2) if there is a direct benefit to the
child undergoing such testing. Exceptions are made for emergency and
              

life threatening situations.

 EXISTING LAW :

This is a new law.

 JUSTIFICATION :

The administering of experimental drugs is causing children afflicted
with conditions such as HIV to suffer and live in agony. Side effects
of such toxic drugs include but are not limited to cramps, diarrhea,
swelling of joints, and Steven John's Syndrome, which is an extreme
flaking of the skin and vomiting. The promotion of better health and a
richer quality of life for our children must be part of New York's
agenda.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

New bill

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

None

 LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

None

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.