NY S01737

Establishes an interagency task force on health literacy within the State University of New York to study health literacy issues and develop recommendations for improving health literacy statewide.

SUNY Chancellor appoints a member of the SUNY school of public health faculty to chair the task force, with membership including representatives from state hospitals, the Department of Health, Office of Children and Family Services, medical societies, pharmacy schools, and various health-related organizations.

Task force must examine residents' ability to access health services, identify barriers to care for those with low health literacy, identify at-risk populations, and evaluate whether improving health literacy would increase provider efficiency and reduce health care expenditures.

Task force shall report findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 15, 2018, including proposed rules, regulations, and legislation, plus strategies for improving health literacy, promoting plain language in healthcare, and simplifying health insurance enrollment.

Act takes effect December 1, 2017.