NY A03255

Prohibits electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on persons under 16 years of age.

Requires informed written consent for ECT use, with a standardized consent form adopted by the department that explicitly discloses the nature, risks, possible permanent memory loss, probability of death, and division of medical opinion on efficacy.

Restricts ECT on involuntary patients ages 16 and older unless they have been adjudicated incompetent, in which case their guardian of the person may consent based on the patient's known wishes.

Requires two physicians to certify medical necessity for patients 65 and older before each treatment series begins, and mandates disclosure of known medical conditions that may increase injury or death risk.

Establishes that only physicians may administer ECT, requires registration of ECT equipment with the department, and mandates quarterly reports on therapy administration including patient demographics, adverse events, and deaths within 14 days of treatment.