Existing Legislation
End of Life Choices New York has been a major force in New York in the creation and passage of key legislation designed to expand choice and to improve pain management, palliative care and end of life care. We have played a leadership role in having important, relevant legislation introduced and we have enjoyed great success in having such legislation enacted, including the bills described here:
Palliative Care Information Act - PCIA
As a result of this law, terminally ill patients now have a clearly defined right to receive information and counseling about their palliative care and end of life options, including hospice. This will enable them to make informed treatment decisions during the final months of their lives. LEARN MOREPalliative Care Education and Training Act - PCETA
According to the NYS Department of Health, “Like the PCIA, the PCAA is intended to ensure that patients are fully informed of the options available to them when they are faced with a serious illness or condition, so that they are empowered to make choices consistent with their goals of care, and wishes and beliefs, and to optimize their quality of life. LEARN MOREFamily Health Care Decisions Act - FHCD
The Family Health Care Decisions Act, Public Health Law,Article 29-CC, establishes the authority of a patient’s family member or close friend to make healthcare decisions for the patient in cases where a patient lacks decisional capacity and did not leave prior instructions or appoint a health care agent. LEARN MOREHealth Care Proxy Education - HCPE
The Palliative Care Education and Training Act was initiated by End of Life Choices New York and enacted in 2007. It was the first bill of its kind in the nation. The legislation addresses, in a number of meaningful ways, the urgent public health care crisis of the undertreatment of pain. LEARN MOREContinuing Medical Education Act - CME
This law requires medical professionals to receive continuing medical education on pain and palliative care every three years LEARN MORE