State Legislature Votes to Allow Multi-Listing in New York

Aisha Tator of Donate Life New York State and Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes listen to Senator April N.M. Baskin speaking about organ donation and transplantation. Photo / DonateLifeNYS.org

The State Assembly and Senate have both passed legislation to allow residents in need of organ transplants to be listed at multiple transplant centers within New York State. The HEART (Helping Equal Access to Registrations for Transplants) Act would repeal a law that prohibits multi-listing at transplant centers in the state. New York is the only state with such a restriction. The legislation will now head to Governor Kathy Hochul for her consideration. 

Western New York delegates were essential to the passage of the HEART Act. Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (D-Buffalo) introduced the bill in the assembly. Assembly members Angelo Morinello (R,C-Niagara Falls) and Andrea K. Bailey (R,C-Geneseo) were co-sponsors. Senator April N.M. Baskin (D-Buffalo) introduced the bill in the state senate. Senators Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C-Elma) and Thomas F. O’Mara (R,C-Elmira) were co-sponsors.

“There are some 8,000 New Yorkers who are right now on wait lists, waiting for the access to get a transplant,” Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes said when voting on the measure.

While individuals with private insurance can bypass New York’s restriction by listing at out-of-state centers, Medicaid recipients face significant barriers.

“At Donate Life New York State, we work every day toward achieving our mission of ensuring a life-changing organ transplant for every New Yorker in need,” Aisha Tator, Executive Director of Donate Life New York State, said in April. “We are incredibly honored to partner with Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes on the HEART Act, which would not only empower patients and reduce wait times but also promote fairness through strategic reforms. By embracing federal standards and enhancing support for vulnerable populations, this critical legislation would open the door to life-saving transplants, establishing critical care as a right available to all, not a privilege reserved for a select few.”

Donate Life New York State has estimated that allowing New Yorkers to list at more than one transplant center would increase the likelihood of receiving a transplant by nearly cutting wait times in half, decreasing mortality rates by around 20 percent.

“New York’s current restrictions are outdated and out of touch with national standards on this issue,” Senator Gallivan said in a June news release. “Expanding access to such critical care is not only the right thing to do, but it will also make it more likely that patients will experience a positive outcome and will help save lives.”

The HEART Act passed both houses by a wide margin. Western New York delegates voting in support of the legislation included Assembly members Paul A. Bologna (R,C-Clarence), Patrick Burke (D-West Seneca), Patrick J. Chludzinski (R,C-Cheektowaga), William Conrad (D-Tonawanda), David DiPietro (R,C-East Aurora), Stephen Hawley (R,C-Batavia), Karen McMahon (D-Williamsville), Andrew M. Molitor (R,C-Westfield), Jonathan Rivera (D-Buffalo), Joe Sempolinski (R-Canisteo), and Senator Robert C. Ortt (R,C,IP-Lockport).