New York State will Allow Patients to Register at Multiple Transplant Centers

Governor Kathy Hochul signed the HEART (Helping Equal Access to Registrations for Transplants) Act on Friday, repealing an outdated New York law prohibiting multi-listing at transplant centers in the state. The ban dated back to 1990. New York has long been the only state with such a restriction.

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

“This vital legislation will allow patients to register at multiple transplant centers within New York State simultaneously and improve access to lifesaving organs for all New Yorkers,” according to Donate Life New York State.

While some individuals with private insurance have been able to bypass New York’s restriction by listing at out-of-state centers, Medicaid recipients have faced significant barriers.

Western New York legislative representatives 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.

“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.”

“New York’s current restrictions are outdated and out of touch with national standards on this issue,” Senator Gallivan said in a June news release.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).