Compassion & Choices of New York has been playing the major leadership role to have legislation enacted in New York State to address the public health crisis of the under-treatment of pain. The status of two bills that we have been working on is briefly described below.

Health Care Proxy Legislation Enacted

Legislation designed to increase the number of people who complete health care proxies, initiated by Compassion & Choices of New York, was passed by the New York State Legislature. The bill, A.8827, S.4992, requires the Department of Health to conduct education and outreach programs for consumers, patients, and health care providers relating to an advance directive, particularly a health care proxy, and the need and importance for health care providers to play a leadership role in discussing end-of-life care preferences and values with patients and to provide patients with health care proxy forms.

Palliative Care Education and Training Act Enacted.

The Palliative Care Education and Training Act was enacted this year. Initiated by Compassion & Choices to improve palliative care and pain management, it is 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. In summary, the legislation will do the following:

• Establish a statewide advisory council on palliative care and pain management;
• Create undergraduate and graduate palliative care training programs;
• Establish Department of Health-designated Centers for Palliative Care Excellence; and
• Authorize the Department of Health to certify one or more palliative care resource centers to assist physicians in the treatment of patients in pain.

Up to $4.5 million is authorized annually for the training programs. “Many health care professionals are unaware of the new resources available for their patients to relieve pain,” said Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried (D-Manhattan), sponsor of the Assembly bill. “This legislation will help train physicians and other professionals to relieve the suffering of thousands of New Yorkers.” I am grateful that Compassion & Choices of New York took the initiative to work with us on this important legislation.” Senator Kemp Hannon, (R-Long Island) Chair of the Senate Health Committee and lead Senate sponsor said, “Passage of this legislation is an important step to ensure that in the future patients will get effective palliative care and pain treatment. I am excited that those with expertise in the field across the state and across disciplines will be working with and advising the Commissioner of Health.” David Leven, Executive Director of Compassion & Choices of New York, said, “ The medical community came together on this bill, as there was a general awareness that other efforts to improve pain and palliative care in New York have not proceeded rapidly enough. This bill will serve as a model for the nation.”