Senate Bill S7527

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S7527

SPONSOR: SCARCELLA-SPANTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to creating a
distinctive parking placard to allow midwives to park closer to
patients' homes in order to provide swift care

 
PURPOSE:

With the growing number of New York State residents utilizing the care
of midwives this legislation's intent is to provide special parking
privileges to midwives so that they can have more accessibility to their
clients/patients.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1. Section 1203 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by
adding a new subdivision (e) to read. Where parking is prohibited by
signs, but not where stopping or standing is prohibited, a duly license
midwife, as defined in article one hundred forty of the education law,
              

may park their motor vehicle, identified by a special placard issued by
the commissioner pursuant to section four hundred four - ff of this
chapter, for a period not to exceed one hour while attending to a
patient in the immediate vicinity.

Section 2. The vehicle and traffic law are amended by adding a new
section 404-ff to read. Distinctive placard for licensed midwives, any
duly licensed midwife, as defined in article one hundred forty of the
education aw, in this state shall, upon application, be issued a
distinctive placard bearing a unique serial number in such form and
detail as the commissioner shall prescribe. Application for such a plac-
ard shall be filed with the commissioner and shall be verified annually
by the applicant.

The distinctive placard authorized in subdivision one of this section
shall be issued proof, satisfactory to the commissioner, that the appli-
cant is presently a duly licensed midwife. A distinctive placard issued
pursuant to this section shall be issued upon payment of an initial,
one-time service charge to be prescribed by the commissioner.

Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

These providers, who often visit several patients across a wide
geographic area during the day, rely upon their cars to get to each
patient. However, it is often becoming more difficult to park near a
patient's residence, especially in dense urban areas, due to congested
streets and fewer parking spaces.

This results in these providers often having to park a longer distance
from their patient's residence, adding additional time to the provider's
commute. Additionally, walking further outside increases security risks
for the providers.

Midwives often need to travel quickly to various locations, including
clients' homes and birth centers. Designated parking permits would
reduce the time spent searching for parking, allowing midwives to focus
on providing timely care.

In urgent situations, such as labor or medical emergencies, the ability
to park near a client's location is critical. This bill would help
ensure midwives can reach their patients swiftly, enhancing the safety
and effectiveness of care.

Midwives play a crucial role in offering personalized, community-based
healthcare. Easier parking access supports this model by enabling
midwives to maintain close contact with their clients and offer more
flexible, responsive service.

Providing parking permits acknowledges the professional requirements of
midwives and the vital role they play in maternal and child health. This
support can improve job satisfaction and retention in the profession.

Prior to giving out a placard, the commissioner will have to be satis-
fied by proof that the applicant is duly licensed, and the placard issue
will contain a unique serial number, which combined will cut down on any
potential abuse of the system. By facilitating better access and mobili-
ty for midwives, the parking bill would enhance the quality and effi-
ciency of midwifery services across New York State.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIQNA:

Will add revenue for the state.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.