Unwanted Medical Treatment

End of Life Choices New York has initiated a bill in the New York State Legislature that would prohibit health care providers from seeking reimbursement for unwanted healthcare treatment.

It would also clarify that patients have a right to seek damages if such treatment is provided.

 A poll conducted by Purple Strategies showed that about one in four Americans say that they or a family member experienced excessive or unwanted medical treatment. And, according to the poll, nearly two thirds of those surveyed support withholding payments to health care providers who do not honor their end of life wishes.  

Currently in New York, if you or a loved one receive clearly expressed unwanted treatment, it is uncertain that damages can be awarded by a court or that healthcare providers will be held accountable. We have initiated legislation (A. 250), to ensure that patients or their families have the clear right to recover damages in appropriate cases and not have to pay for unwanted medical treatment.

Please let us know if you or a loved one has received clearly expressed unwanted treatment or care, particularly near the end of life, by emailing Senior Consultant David Leven at david@eolcny.org.  Having specific examples will help us as we continue our efforts to get our bill enacted.