Senator Patrick M. Gallivan has announced that the New York State Senate passed legislation aimed at increasing patient access to organ transplants. The bill, identified as S.7151A and co-sponsored by Senator Gallivan, was approved unanimously by the Senate earlier this month.
The legislation proposes an amendment to the state’s public health law, specifically removing a rule that prevents transplant candidates from enrolling in multiple transplant programs. This change would enable patients to register at several transplant centers, potentially increasing their chances of receiving life-saving organs.
“New York’s current restrictions are outdated and out of touch with national standards on this issue,” stated Senator Gallivan. “Expanding access to such critical care is not only the right thing to do, but it will also make it more likely that patients will experience a positive outcome and will help save lives.”
Since 1990, candidates for organ transplants in New York have been barred from participating in multiple programs, a practice known as multi-listing. This restriction has often disproportionately affected low-income patients. While those with private insurance can bypass the state restriction by registering at out-of-state centers, Medicaid recipients and underinsured individuals face significant hurdles since Medicaid generally does not cover non-emergency care outside New York State. Consequently, there is unequal access to vital transplant opportunities.
Furthermore, New York’s ban conflicts with national standards set by the Organ Procurement Transplantation Network.
The State Assembly had already approved the legislation in May. It is now set to be reviewed by the governor for consideration.
