N.Y. Public Health Law § 2805-y: Identification and assessment of human trafficking victims

§ 2805-y. Identification and assessment of human trafficking victims.

1. As used in this section:

(a) "human trafficking victim" shall have the meaning set forth in

section four hundred eighty-three-aa of the social services law;

(b) "subject facility" shall mean a general hospital, public health

center, diagnostic center, treatment center or outpatient department;

(c) "subject facility personnel" shall mean nursing, medical, social

work and other clinical care personnel, and security personnel in the

subject facility service units; and

(d) "subject facility service units" shall mean the service units of

the subject facility that include the following areas: (i) emergency

services; (ii) pediatrics; (iii) obstetrics and gynecology; (iv)

orthopedics; (v) internal medicine; (vi) family medicine; (vii)

radiology; (viii) surgery; (ix) psychiatry; and (x) dental services to

the extent the subject facility maintains a dental clinic, center or

department on site of the subject facility.

2. Every subject facility shall provide for the identification,

assessment, and appropriate treatment or referral of persons suspected

as human trafficking victims, and in the case of persons under eighteen

years old, the reporting of such persons as an abused or maltreated

child if required under title six of article six of the social services

law. The subject facility shall establish and implement written policies

and procedures under this section which shall apply to all subject

facility service units.

3. Every subject facility shall provide, on an ongoing basis, to all

subject facility personnel training regarding the policies and

procedures established under this section, including training in the

recognition of indicators of a human trafficking victim and the

responsibilities of such personnel in dealing with persons suspected as

human trafficking victims. Such training may be incorporated as part of

the subject facility's existing training programs, provided that the

training includes all of the requirements of this section.

4. The commissioner may identify organizations or providers for

consideration by subject facilities to provide training under this

section. The commissioner may, in consultation with the office of

temporary and disability assistance and the office of children and

family services, make regulations under this section.