NY S09229

Expands the definition of "mental health care provider" in Penal Law Section 130.00 to include any person licensed, registered, or holding themselves out as licensed in medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or psychoanalysis under Education Law Articles 130, 131, 139, 153, 154, or 163, as well as any person providing mental health care or life coaching services.

Extends sex offense charges against health care or mental health care providers to apply not only during treatment sessions, consultations, interviews, or examinations, but also during the entire course of continuing treatment.

Applies the expansion to rape in the third degree, criminal sexual act in the third degree, aggravated sexual abuse in the fourth degree, and sexual abuse in the third degree when the victim is a client or patient.

Takes effect 90 days after enactment, with a contingency provision coordinating with Chapter 23 of the Laws of 2024.