Hospital rights victory in New York
For over 17 years, New York has struggled to attain medical decision making rights for its patients. Not anymore! Just two days ago, New York voted YES on the Family Health Care Decisions Act! It’s been a long time coming!
The FHCDA helps protect people who don’t document their wishes. It gives family members and friends (including broadly defined domestic partners) the authority to make treatment decisions for incapacitated patients who have not signed a health care proxy or left specific oral or written treatment instructions.
Patients in NY now can have someone they love and trust visit them in the hospital make medical decisions for them, without regard to marital status!
For more information, read Governor Paterson’s press release.
Congratulations, New Yorkers!
