In recent weeks, the New York State Assembly has taken action on the following health-related pieces of legislation:

• Approving Applications for Hospital Establishments: The NYS Assembly Health Committee approved A.6015, which requires that prior to approving applications for establishment, incorporation, or construction of health care services, the NYS Health Commissioner must affirmatively find that certain conditions are met. GNYHA opposes this proposed bill because current statutes and regulations are sufficient to ensure access to those in need of health care services, and requiring additional review of proposed projects will result in delayed approvals for the projects.

• Ceiling Lifts in Hospitals and Nursing Homes: The NYS Assembly referred A.8165/S.315 to the floor for vote. GNYHA opposes the proposed bill because any promulgation of rules and regulations requiring the installation and use of ceiling lifts in hospitals and nursing homes should be done solely through the regulatory process and not through a change of law. The NYS Department of Health has already convened its "Construction Standards Advisory Group," which consists of representatives with expertise in hospital design and construction.

• Blood Donations: The NYS Assembly referred A.4608/S.2161 to the floor for vote. GNYHA supports the intent of the proposed bill as it would provide grants to non-profit organizations and schools to assist with the costs of running blood drives, thus responding to a critical need to increase the blood supply in New York by creating opportunities to donate.