NY A10472

Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, in consultation with the State Education Department, shall develop or utilize educational materials for school districts and boards of cooperative educational services addressing misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, prescription medication, and other drugs prevalent among school-aged youth.

Educational materials must be age-appropriate and include information or resources to help parents identify warning signs and address risks of substance abuse.

Each school district superintendent must designate an employee (preferably a school social worker, guidance counselor, or health practitioner) to provide information to students, parents, and staff about available substance use-related services.

Information provided to the designated employee by students, parents, or teachers shall be confidential, not used in school disciplinary proceedings, and protected as privileged communication, except where the employee has a legal duty to report.

The act takes effect 120 days after enactment, with the Commissioner of Education authorized to adopt implementing regulations immediately.