New York Considers Bill to Recognize Lyme Disease as an Occupational Illness
Lawmakers in New York are currently deliberating a significant piece of legislation aimed at designating Lyme disease as an occupational illness for individuals who work outdoors or in close proximity to animals. The proposed bill, known as S.B. 2816, was introduced on Thursday and has been referred to the Labor Committee for further consideration.
This bill seeks to amend existing state law to broaden the definition of a disability to include conditions that are “caused by or in connection with Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.” This recognition is particularly crucial for those whose jobs expose them to higher risks of tick bites and subsequent infections.
Furthermore, the legislation outlines that treatment options for affected individuals may encompass a variety of approaches. These include:
- Intravenous antibiotic therapy
- Oral antibiotic therapy
- Any other recommended treatments or a combination thereof, as advised by a licensed physician in New York
This initiative is not entirely new, as similar legislation was proposed in 2023 and subsequently carried over into 2024. However, it did not gain the necessary momentum to pass through both chambers of the legislature. Experts in the field have long been engaged in discussions regarding the long-term effects and appropriate treatment protocols for Lyme disease, which has drawn parallels to the complexities of long COVID in recent years.
As the bill moves forward, it highlights the growing recognition of Lyme disease as a serious health concern, particularly for those in at-risk professions.
