BILL NUMBER: S2446
SPONSOR: FERNANDEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to establishing a
wound care kit and xylazine test strip distribution program
 
PURPOSE:
To establish a program providing free wound care kits and xylazine test
strips to individuals with substance use disorders or those at risk of
drug use, preventing injection-related infections and detecting xylazine
contamination.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Establishes the wound care kit and xylazine test strip
distribution program; prohibits facilities from recording any personally
identifying information of individuals receiving wound care kits and
xylazine test strips; mandates a public awareness and educational
campaign; and protects facilities and individuals from being targeted by
law enforcement for distributing or possessing wound care kits and xyla-
zine test strips.
Section 2: Sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The rise in injection-related infections and the prevalence of xylazine
contamination in illicit substances pose significant health risks to
individuals with substance use disorders. Wound care kits and xylazine
test strips can help mitigate these risks by providing necessary tools
for proper wound care and the detection of xylazine. This program would
ensure that these resources are accessible free of charge while protect-
ing the privacy of individuals receiving them. Moreover, the public
awareness campaign will educate individuals on the importance of wound
care and the dangers of substances cut with xylazine, promoting safer
practices among those at risk.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S9728
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment,
and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation
of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
completed on or before such effective date.