Senate Bill S6829

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S6829

 TITLE OF BILL :

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the public health law,
in relation to distribution of health care proxy, and organ and tissue
donation information


 PURPOSE :

Directs distribution of health care proxy and organ donation
information with mailings of license and registration renewals.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section 1. Amends the vehicle and traffic law by adding a new section
397-c to provide for the distribution of health care proxy, and organ
and tissue donation information in license and vehicle registration
mailings. The Department of Motor Vehicle shall distribute such
information as prepared by the Department of Health.  The Department
of Motor Vehicle shall conduct the mailings for the entire calendar
year once every four years as determined on a calendar basis set by
the commissioner. Included in such mailings shall be information
regarding the manner in which to enroll in the donate life registry.
All mailings shall include the address and link to the internet
              

website of the department of health that provides information on
health care proxies and the donate life registry.

Section 2. Amends section 206 of the public health law by adding a new
subdivision 27 to require that the commissioner of health operate and
maintain a website that includes information on health care proxies
and the donate life registry on the Health Department's website.

 EXISTING LAW :

None.

 JUSTIFICATION :

In recent years, end-of-life decision making has garnered significant
attention with respect to the need to adequately prepare for health
care situations leading up to death. It is of great importance that
such decisions come prior to any situation that might leave New
Yorkers incapable of making informed decisions - without which, such a
situation could lead to family strife and extensive litigation.
People want to, and should have, their health care wishes honored.
Yet a large majority of New York residents do not have a health care
proxy and have not relayed their wishes to loved ones regarding organ
donation.

Therefore, it is important for the State of New York to establish a
variety of ways to provide individuals with accurate information
regarding health care proxy forms and organ donation.  Instructions
for duly perfecting health care proxies is important in order to
increase the number of people who complete this document accurately
and effectively. Literature regarding organ donation is significant in
providing individuals with information about the profound impact such
a measure can have on others' lives, and the necessity of educated
consideration prior to donation. To that end, the Department of Motor
Vehicles, which periodically sends mailings to many residents of the
state, can be a natural conduit of this information.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

None.
 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

To be determined.

 LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

None.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.