Governor Hochul Signs NYS Advance Care Planning Bill into Law

ALBANY, NY – On July 21, 2022, Governor Hochul signed Assembly Bill A8880A into law, establishing a statewide advance care planning campaign to promote public awareness of hospice and palliative care services in the State of New York. This achievement was possible with the steadfast leadership of the Hospice & Palliative Care Association of New York State (HPCANYS), of which Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc. (HOSC) is a member. HOSC’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Sandra Cassese, has long advocated for the signing of this bill.

The legislation was unanimously passed by both houses of the Legislature, illustrating the Association’s overwhelming bipartisan support. The resulting campaign will promote awareness and education regarding advanced care planning tools, benefits, and the availability of hospice and palliative care services in the State. Ultimately, this will increase utilization of hospice and palliative care while preserving patient choice and access to care for those with life-limiting illnesses.

“It’s important to begin planning for end-of-life while we are still capable of communicating to our loved ones exactly what our wishes are,” said Cassese, who was instrumental in lobbying for A8880A.  “An advance directive puts the patient first and is a legal document in New York State. This legislation will help eliminate barriers to the well-established benefits of advance care planning.”

Cassese was present throughout the advocacy process, championing the bill and gathering support for its priorities centered around bolstering hospice and palliative care awareness.

Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc. is committed to maintaining patient choice and improving hospice and palliative care access for those with a prognosis of six months or fewer to live. Our organization regards the passing of this law to be a historic moment in the fight for improved quality of living during life’s final stages.

About Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc.

Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc. was incorporated in 1988 as an outgrowth of an initial effort in 1981 by three community nurses to provide much-needed support to individuals with terminal illnesses. In 1993, what was then Hospice of Orange in the Hudson Valley began serving patients in Sullivan County, subsequently becoming Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc. The organization is certified by the NYS Department of Health and The Joint Commission. If you, a loved one or someone you know needs this specialized end-of-life care or needs bereavement support, please call Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc. today at 845- 561-6111 or find us at www.hospiceoforange.com.