BILL NUMBER: S8632A
SPONSOR: HOYLMAN-SIGAL
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to providing health
care proxy information to palliative care patients
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF THE BILL:
To make information about appointing a health care agent available to
patients who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness or condition.
 
SUMMARY:
Section 1 adds a new paragraph (c) to subdivision 2 of section 2997-c of
the public health law requiring a patient's health care practitioner to
counsel the patient about the benefits of completing a health care proxy
and appointing a health care agent. The section also requires a copy of
the newly completed or existing health care proxy to be made a part of
the patient's medical record.
Section 2 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Section 2997-c of the public health law addresses palliative care
patient information and currently requires health care practitioners to
provide information and counseling on palliative care and end-of-life
options and information about other appropriate treatment options should
the patient wish to initiate or continue treatment. This legislation
adds a requirement for the health care practitioner to provide informa-
tion and counseling to the patient about appointing a health care agent,
which is an important option to protect patient health care choices
should they become unable to make those choices known to their practi-
tioner.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act takes effect immediately.