BILL NUMBER: S1496

SPONSOR: BRESLIN
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the county law, in relation to reimbursement for coroner
and medical examiner fees from the county where the decedent resided

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To amend the county law, in relation to reimbursement for coroner and
medical examiner fees from the county where the decedent resided.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1. The county law is amended by adding a new section 679.

Section 2. A county with jurisdiction may seek reimbursement of fees
generated by a coroner, medical examiner, or coroner's physician from
the decedent's county of residence.

              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Presently, coroner, medical examiner and/or coroner physician fees of
trauma victims are paid for by counties containing the regional hospital
with a trauma unit; regardless of the county of residence of the trauma
victim. For example, Albany County has a trauma unit at Albany Medical
Center and most trauma victims are transported there for the entire
region. Coroner and coroner physician's fees for services are thus
absorbed by Albany County, even if the patient is a resident of another
county. In 2012, Albany County Coroner's office had 56 non-resident
cases and absorbed $61,426.26 in fees; in 2013 there were 35 cases and
$51,386.75 in fees. Counties should be able to receive reimbursement of
those fees from the decedent's county of residence, and not be punished
financially for having a trauma hospital within the county.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2016 No same as in Senate, A5913 in Assembly, referred to Local Govern-
ments

2017/18 No same as in Senate, A2501 in Assembly, referred to Local
Governments

2019-20: Referred to Local Governments / Same As A.371 Referred to Local
Governments

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to the State of New York.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This Act shall take effect immediately.