New York Physicians Urge Gov Hochul to Veto Legislation that Would Expand Awards in Actions for Wrongful Death

For Immediate Release
December 10, 2024 

New York Physicians Urge Gov Hochul to Veto Legislation
that Would Expand 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 urging Governor Hochul to again veto legislation that would greatly expand the awards in actions for wrongful death. Governor Hochul has previously stood by the concerns she has 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.

“The latest version of this legislation does not in any way address our profound concerns with the enormous adverse impact this legislation would have on patient access to our health care system.

“We agree with the Governor’s previous veto message that: ‘Every human life is valuable and should be recognized as such in our laws and in our judicial system.’  We also applaud the Governor for noting in her previous veto that: ‘Legitimate concerns have been raised that the bill would likely lead to increased insurance premiums for the vast majority of consumers, as well as risk the financial well-being of our health care facilities – most notably, for public 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.

“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.

“Again, we encourage Governor Hochul to once again put patients first and protect the healthcare needs of every New Yorker by vetoing this legislation.”

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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]