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Bills Passed
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 by initiating and advocating for laws that enhance the lives of New Yorkers when they are sick or dying, including the bills described here.
Palliative Care Information Act (PCIA)
This law provides terminally ill patients 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.
Palliative Care Access Act (PCAA)
This law is intended to make sure that patients who are not at the end of life but are experiencing a serious medical condition are informed about their options.
Palliative Care Education and Training Act (PCETA)
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.
Family 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.
Continuing Medical Education Act (CME)
This law requires medical professionals to receive continuing medical education on pain and palliative care every three years.
Health Care Proxies for Applicants of Medicaid
People who apply for Medicaid in New York must now be informed about health care proxies and be given the opportunity to complete one.