Governor Vetoes Bill Establishing Hospice Office Within DOH
On Nov. 23rd, Governor Hochul vetoed bill A.8881-A (Wallace)/S.8206-A (Hinchey), which would have established an Office of Hospice and Palliative Care Access and Quality within the Department of Health (DOH) to improve utilization and coordination of hospice in New York State. The bill would have ensured that hospice and palliative care providers and patients had the Department’s attention and support working toward increased quality and access to hospice for New Yorkers.
This bill was one of many that Governor Hochul recently vetoed which established new offices, studies, or task forces to tackle critical issues. The Governor stated, “Several of these bills would require intensive studies and reports to be undertaken by state agencies and authorities. I share a strong interest in addressing the problems and issues identified in this legislation, and I commend the Legislature for seeking to address such a broad array of problems.”
Altogether, the bills would have cost the State approximately $40 million not accounted for in the State budget, the reason cited for the veto.
LeadingAge NY supported the passage of this legislation, and we will continue to advocate for formal Departmental support and attention for hospice providers and patients and their concerns, including the need for increased utilization of hospice in the state.
Contact: Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871