Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar announced the passage of her landmark legislation, A9600A, establishing ARFID, or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, as an eating disorder in New York State on Thursday, June 4.

Rajkumar, who represents Ridgewood, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park and Glendale, sought to address the challenges people with ARFID face by advocating for the bill to be added to the State’s list of officially recognized eating disorders. As stated in a press release, certain laws will now apply to the disorder, including those related to “insurance coverage, educational campaigns, and State-directed treatment centers.”

First classified in 2013, ARFID is characterized by “persistent limitations in food intake based on anxiety over adverse consequences from eating; sensory sensitivity; or lack of interest,” according to a press release. It is often associated with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other conditions, and is not driven by body dysmorphia. Historically dismissed as “picky eating,” ARFID is estimated to affect as much as “3% of the population.” The actual number may be much higher due to the lack of diagnoses.

ARFID would be covered under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), which dictates that health insurance plans must offer coverage for mental health and substance use disorders that is no more restrictive than surgical and medical coverage.

Rajkumar authored the bill after hearing from constituents whose families were living with the challenges of ARFID. A9600A received 60 votes in favor of the proposed legislation, securing the bill’s passage on Thursday, June 4. Among those who voted for it are State Senators Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., Michael Gianaris, Jessica Ramos, Kristen Gonzalez and James Sanders Jr.

The bill’s cosponsors are Assembly Members Linda B. Rosenthal, Andrew Hevesi, Steven Raga and Jessica González-Rojas. Additional cosponsors include Assembly Members Claire Valdez, Catalina Cruz, Diana Moreno and Nily Rozic.

“When families came to me describing how ARFID was upending their lives, I knew I had to take action. ARFID is a real, serious eating disorder recognized by modern medicine, and I am making sure our laws reflect that reality,” said Rajkumar in a statement. “By passing my bill, we are affirming that New Yorkers living with ARFID are seen, understood, and supported. This is about replacing misunderstanding with awareness and ensuring that science, compassion, and common sense guide public policy.”

As of press time, the legislation is expected to head to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk to be signed into law.