New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04591

Introduced
2/4/25  
Refer
2/4/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Report Pass
2/4/26  
Engrossed
2/9/26  
Refer
2/9/26  

Caption

Requires that general hospitals that provide mastectomy surgery, lymph node dissection or lumpectomy provide information to such patients concerning options for breast reconstruction.

Impact

The bill is expected to impact public health law by amending existing regulations regarding the provision of medical information to patients. By requiring hospitals to disclose details on both surgical and non-surgical reconstruction options, A04591 will help ensure that patients can make informed decisions about their post-operative care. This could lead to a broader acceptance and discussion of breast reconstruction options within the medical community and among patients, potentially improving the quality of care provided.

Summary

Bill A04591, introduced in the New York Assembly, seeks to require general hospitals that perform mastectomy surgeries, lymph node dissections, or lumpectomies to provide patients with comprehensive information regarding their options for breast reconstruction. This provision aims to enhance patient awareness and understanding of available reconstructive options, which is crucial for those undergoing such surgeries. The legislation mandates that this information is delivered in writing before patients give consent to proceed with the surgical procedures, ensuring that they are fully informed of their choices.

Conclusion

Overall, Bill A04591 represents a significant step towards improving patient rights and informed consent in the context of breast cancer treatment. By guaranteeing that patients receive critical information about reconstruction options, the bill has the potential to enhance the decision-making process for patients, thus improving outcomes in the long term.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding A04591 include concerns over the adequacy of the information provided and whether it is sufficient to empower patients effectively. Some stakeholders may argue that hospitals lack the necessary resources or expertise to discuss reconstruction options in-depth, which could limit the effectiveness of this requirement. Moreover, questions about how closely hospitals will adhere to the information disclosure standards proposed by the bill may arise, alongside potential disputes over insurance coverage for reconstructive procedures.

Companion Bills

NY S01305

Same As Requires that general hospitals that provide mastectomy surgery, lymph node dissection or lumpectomy provide information to such patients concerning options for breast reconstruction.

Previously Filed As

NY S01305

Requires that general hospitals that provide mastectomy surgery, lymph node dissection or lumpectomy provide information to such patients concerning options for breast reconstruction.

NY A3093

Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.

NY S1358

Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.

NY H2421

Relative to patient access to information regarding breast reconstructive surgery

NY SB83

To Mandate Coverage For Breast Reconstruction Surgeries; To Require Prior Authorization For Breast Reconstruction Surgeries; And To Establish A Minimum Reimbursement Rate For Breast Reconstruction Surgeries.

NY HB453

Breast cancer; to require coverage of breast reconstruction surgery

NY HB1859

To Amend The Law Concerning Mastectomies.

NY S10164

Requires hospitals to obtain verbal and written informed consent from a patient or representative before including such patient's information in a general hospital facility directory.

NY A11139

Requires hospitals to obtain verbal and written informed consent from a patient or representative before including such patient's information in a general hospital facility directory.

NY A09000

Directs the department of health to develop an informational pamphlet concerning perimenopause and menopause, which shall include information concerning the stages of perimenopause and menopause, the signs and side effects, and options for the management and treatment; requires that such informational pamphlet be made available on the department's website and available for order as a printed deliverable; requires practitioners to make such informational pamphlet available to patients.

Similar Bills

CA SB1352

Property taxation: newly constructed: reconstructed property.

CA AB245

Property taxation: application of base year value: disaster relief.

CA AB2385

Local reconstruction agencies.

MD SB283

Creation of a State Debt – Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026, and the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loans of 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025

CA AB1253

Property taxation: newly constructed property: reconstruction of damaged or destroyed property.

IN HB1373

Breast reconstruction coverage.