Senate Bill S3174

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S3174

SPONSOR: SANDERS
 
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 super-
vision 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 exper-
              

imental 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:

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, swell-
ing 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:

01/19/16 Referred to Cities

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None

 
LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.