BILL NUMBER: S6101

SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act in relation to establishing statewide pilot programs promoting
the use of alternative treatments for individuals suffering from chronic
lower back pain

 
PURPOSE:

Establishes statewide pilot programs promoting the use of alternative
treatments for individuals suffering from chronic lower back pain

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 authorizes the commissioner of health to establish statewide
pilot programs for individuals suffering from chronic lower back pain by
offering access to nonpharmacologic treatments. The provisions of this
section will only take effect if all necessary approvals under federal
law and regulation have been obtained to receive federal financial
participation in the costs of services.
              

Section 2 states the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The FY 2022 adopted budget featured a provision to establish a pilot
program promoting the use of alternative treatments for those who are
suffering from chronic lower back pain. This legislation corrects a
technical error in the 2021-2022 budget.

As we continue efforts to curb the ongoing opioid crisis, New York State
must ensure there are non-pharmacologic pain-relief options for individ-
uals suffering from chronic lower back pain. The American College of
Physicians, a national organization composed of medical specialists,
recommends acute or subacute low back pain be treated with non-drug
therapies.

By creating a pilot program, we can give individuals in search of
nonpharmacologic relief for lower back pain an easier way to access
these treatments.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.