New York Physicians Again Grateful to Gov Hochul for Her Veto of Legislation that Would Have Expanded Awards in Actions for Wrongful Death

December 22, 2024
For Immediate Release

New York Physicians Again Grateful to Gov Hochul for Her Veto of Legislation that Would Have
Expanded Awards in Actions for Wrongful Death

Statement attributable to:
Jerome Cohen, MD
President, Medical Society of the State of New York

“The physicians of New York State are once again sincerely grateful to Governor Hochul for her veto of legislation that would have greatly expanded the awards in actions for wrongful death.  Governor Hochul has stood by the concerns she has previously noted regarding the significant unintended consequences of this far-reaching, expansive legislation—particularly for our already struggling health care system—without balanced provisions to bring down New York’s exorbitant liability insurance costs for physicians.

“We agree with the Governor in her veto message that: ‘At a time when New Yorkers are already facing higher costs of living due to inflation and other factors, genuine concerns have been raised that the bill may lead to higher costs, including insurance premiums, and may also risk the financial well-being of our healthcare system, including those hospitals that serve disadvantaged communities.’

“MSSNY stands ready to work with the Governor and the Legislature on revised legislation that would ensure legal remedies for grieving families, but at the same time protect the ability of New York’s physicians, hospitals, and other health care workers to continue to deliver the care our patients expect and deserve.  We cannot do that if we substantially increase our already enormous liability insurance costs, which already exponentially exceed every other state in the country. These costs would disproportionately impact physicians working in underserved communities and diminish access to care for such communities.  Comprehensive liability reform including a reasonable cap on non-economic damages has long been advocated by the physician community. 

“New York has a reputation for a world class healthcare system, but also a reputation for being one of the worst states in the country in which to be a physician.  We must take steps to ensure that we can retain and attract skilled physicians to our state to best serve the healthcare needs of our patients, as many of our communities experience physician work force shortages.

“Again, we thank Governor Hochul for putting patients first and protecting the healthcare needs of every New Yorker.”

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Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents, and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all. 

Media Contact:
Roseann Raia | Manager, Communications
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Avenue
Westbury, NY 11590
516.488.6100 x302 | [email protected]

Julie Vecchione
Vice President, Communications
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Avenue
Westbury, NY 11590
516.488.6100 x340 | [email protected]