Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) says legislation designed to expand patient access to organ transplants, reduce wait times, and improve medical outcomes has been signed into law by the governor. The bill (S.7151A), co-sponsored by Senator Gallivan, was approved unanimously by the Senate and Assembly earlier this year.

The legislation updates the state’s public health law and removes a rule that prohibits transplant candidates from participating in multiple transplant programs. The change will allow patients to register at multiple transplant centers, increasing access to life-saving organs.

“This is great news for patients in need of transplants and their families,” Senator Gallivan said. “The new law will expand access to care and lead to more positive outcomes. I thank my legislative colleagues for supporting these much-needed changes and the governor for signing the bill into law.”

Since 1990, organ transplant candidates in New York have been prohibited from registering with multiple transplant programs, a practice known as multi-listing, a restriction that often disproportionately affects low-income patients. While patients with private insurance can circumvent the in-state restriction by listing at out-of-state transplant centers, Medicaid recipients, and the underinsured face significant barriers. In most circumstances, Medicaid coverage does not permit enrollees to seek non-emergency care outside of New York State. The prohibition results in unequal access to lifesaving transplant opportunities.

New York’s ban also contradicts national standards established by the Organ Procurement Transplantation Network. 

The new law takes effect immediately.

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