¶ STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) — PATERNITY TESTING IN NEW YORK
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¶ STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) - PATERNITY
TESTING IN NEW YORK
Version: 1.0
Applies to: Customer Care, Sales/Support Agents
Subject: Legal Requirements and Workflow for Paternity Testing in New
York (NY)
Last Updated: July 2025
- BACKGROUND
New York State has unique legislation concerning DNA testing, regulated
by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). The
NYSDOH prohibits at-home paternity testing and mandates specific
collection, authorisation, and physician oversight protocols.
- KEY RULES FOR NY PATERNITY TESTING
2.1.
AT-HOME TESTING IS PROHIBITED
- NYSDOH does not allow self-collection of samples for paternity
testing.
- All samples must be collected by an approved third-party DNA
collector.
2.2.
LEGAL TEST FORMAT REQUIRED
- Only legal DNA testing is permitted for paternity cases in NY.
- This requires a strict chain of custody, identity verification, and
third-party involvement.
2.3.
AUTHORISATION IS MANDATORY
- A written authorisation (script) must be provided by one of the
following:
- Licensed physician
- Lawyer
- Court officer
- Without this script, the case cannot proceed.
- The customer is responsible for obtaining the authorisation.
EasyDNA/Reseller does not do this on their behalf.
- WORKFLOW FOR STAFF AND RESELLERS
3.1.
ORDER ACKNOWLEDGMENT
- Send order confirmation and case reference.
- Inform the customer that at-home paternity testing is not
permitted in NY.
3.2.
AUTHORIZATION HANDLING
- Request a copy of the medical script or letter of authorisation
from a recognised professional.
- Confirm that the script lists the full names of all parties to be
collected.
3.3.
SAMPLE COLLECTOR OPTIONS
Option A - Customer Provides Their Own Collector
- Must be a doctor, lawyer, or court officer.
- Obtain the collector's address and send kits directly to them.
- Ensure the client completes the attached NY Collection Setup Form
(if used).
Option B - Company-Assisted Collection
- If the client has no collector, offer help in scheduling via a partner
facility.
- Charge $60 per participant for collection fees (separate from test
cost).
- Confirm whether a physician is available on-site to issue the
medical script. If not:
- The client must obtain a script from any external licensed
physician.
3.4.
KIT SHIPPING PROTOCOL
- Ship kits directly to the approved collection site-never to the
customer's home.
- Include full legal paperwork and chain of custody forms.
3.5.
SAMPLE COLLECTION AND SUBMISSION
- The collector must:
- Verify participant identity and take photographs (if required).
- Perform or supervise cheek swab collection.
- Complete all paperwork and securely package samples.
- Submit materials directly to the lab.
- PRICING AND OFFERS
- Standard legal test price: $279
- NY Discount Offer: $179 (excluding sample collection)
- Collection cost: $60 per person (additional)
If the client wishes to accept the discount, provide the payment link or
collect the $70 balance (if $109 deposit was paid).
- DOCUMENTATION AND SCRIPTS
- The authorisation letter or script must be:
- From a licensed physician (letterhead or prescription pad), or
- From a lawyer or court official
- Must include participant names in capital block letters and
reference to the paternity test.
- Attach internal NY Collection Setup Form (if applicable).
¶ 6. NOTES FOR AGENTS AND RESELLERS
- Do not market or sell at-home paternity tests to NY customers.
- All NY cases should be pre-screened before accepting payment.
- Ensure customers are fully aware of:
- Authorization requirement
- Chain of custody rules
- Additional collection cost
- If unsure about any NY case setup, escalate to management.
- CONTACT & SUPPORT
For case coordination, collection site referrals, or questions about NY
requirements, contact:
Email: chantal@easydna.com
Internal Escalation: Chantal Sciberras - Compliance & Case Oversight