New York Bill Requiring Eating Disorder Training for Doctors Disregarded

A New York State Assembly bill that would require doctors to receive training on eating disorders did not make it to a vote in this session and will no longer be considered this year.  Assembly Bill A4413 and its twin in the Senate, S3142, were sponsored by Assemblyman Peter M. Rivera and Senator Shirley L. Huntley, respectively.  The bill would have required doctors to complete an online training on detection and intervention of eating disorders, and would have also required that hospitals receive documentation confirming this training has been accomplished.

Considering the secrecy of eating disorders, early detection and intervention are vital to the saving lives.  Parents, teachers, school administrators all have a part to play in these efforts, but doctors have a unique opportunity to intervene.  Sadly, many do not have the mental health training required and are unequipped to assess patients for eating disorders.

We hope Assemblyman Rivera and Senator Huntley continue to fight for this bill next year and that other states take up this important cause.

Source: http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Peter-M-Rivera/story/42712/