NY S04901

Transfers final decision-making authority from appointing authorities to independent hearing officers in proceedings where employees are placed on leave of absence due to alleged disability-related inability to perform job duties

Removes the requirement that hearing officers only make recommendations to the appointing authority for review, instead giving hearing officers direct authority to render binding decisions

Requires the hearing officer, rather than the appointing authority, to notify employees of their right to appeal final determinations to the civil service commission

Maintains existing procedural protections including the 30-day hearing timeline, employee's right to representation and to present witnesses, and the requirement that the burden of proof for unfitness lies with the party alleging it

Preserves the existing requirement that all diagnoses, test results, and documentation supporting certification be provided to the employee, their physician, or authorized representative