Governor Signs Advanced Care Planning Legislation
On Thurs., July 21st, Governor Hochul signed into law bill A.8880-A (Wallace)/S.8205 (Hinchey), which establishes a statewide advanced care planning (ACP) campaign to promote public awareness and education about ACP tools and the benefits and availability of hospice and palliative care services. ACP is widely recognized as a way to support patient self-determination, facilitate decision-making, and promote better care at the end of life. Although often thought of primarily for terminally ill patients or those with chronic medical conditions, ACP is important for everyone, regardless of age or current health status. Planning in advance for decisions about care in the event of a life-threatening illness or injury gives individuals the opportunity to consider the values they want to have govern their care, to articulate the factors that are important to them for quality of life, and to make clear any preferences they have with respect to specific interventions.
LeadingAge NY wrote to the Governor on July 13th in support of this legislation, urging its approval. The legislation is effective 180 days after becoming law, and thus will be effective in mid-January 2023.
LeadingAge NY is closely tracking nearly 40 bills that were passed by both houses of the Legislature in 2022 and will be delivered to the Governor for action. We are actively advocating with the Governor's office on several bills that will be delivered for action over the coming weeks and months. For a comprehensive list of legislation tracked by LeadingAge NY that passed both houses, along with our positions and relevant materials, click here.
Contact: Sarah Daly, sdaly@leadingageny.org