Queens Assemblymember Sam Berger is making a push to hold all therapists who sexually exploit their patients accountable. “This is very common sense, and there’s a lot of support for it,” Berger told POLITICO. Berger has introduced a bill that would close a loophole that prevents some therapy patients who are victims of sexual exploitation from seeking justice. Since the Legislature passed a law in 2004, it has been illegal for most types of therapists to have sexual relations with their patients. But the law was never updated to include the new types of therapy licenses — like a licensed mental health counselor, for instance — that weren’t included in the original bill. The measure being pushed by Berger — titled Gittel's law — is named in honor of a woman who survived sexual abuse at the hands of a mental health counselor whose license was not part of the 2004 law. “It's a small thing, but that doesn't mean it's not important,” the assemblymember said. The bill has over 60 cosponsors in the assembly, and is also being sponsored by Sen. Nathalia Fernandez. Berger said he is hopeful the measure can become law this year. “When you have something that is common sense, it's worth fighting for,” Berger said. IN OTHER NEWS: — As One Brooklyn Health begins its search for a new CEO, the effort will be led by Korn Ferry, a known job recruitment firm, the Board of Trustees announced on Friday. The chosen CEO will head the organization made up of Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, Interfaith Medical Center, and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. “We are proud to tap Korn Ferry to help us find a permanent Chief Executive Officer to help us continue delivering the best community-based care,” Dr. Alexander Rovt. Chairman of the Board of the Trustees said in a statement. “We are strongly committed and passionate about our mission as a tailored, patient-focused system in everything that we do, while providing access to quality healthcare to our families and patients.” ON THE AGENDA: — Tuesday at 12 p.m. The Senate Health Committee will meet to approve legislation to move to the Senate floor. MAKING ROUNDS: — NYU Langone Health announced the opening of a 18,000 square-foot facility across the street from Penn Station on Monday. The new center will house 15 medical providers in internal medicine, endocrinology, gastroenterology, orthopedic surgery, podiatry, spine surgery, sports medicine, and urology. GOT TIPS? Send story ideas and feedback to Maya Kaufman at mkaufman@politico.com. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You’ll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day’s biggest stories.
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