New York Assembly Bill A06924

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/18/25
• Refer: 3/18/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Prevents discrimination against persons with physical or mental disabilities in regards to organ donations.

Summary

Bill A06924, known as the Organ Donation Fairness Act, aims to amend the mental hygiene law to prohibit discrimination against individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the context of organ donations. The bill asserts that such individuals have the same rights to healthcare as anyone else and seeks to ensure that they are not unfairly denied access to organ transplants based on their disabilities. It outlines the definitions of key terms, including 'disability' and 'anatomical gift', and establishes the responsibilities of covered entities in the organ transplant process.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the legal landscape regarding organ donation in New York by reinforcing the rights of individuals with disabilities. It mandates that covered entities, including healthcare providers and transplant centers, cannot discriminate against qualified individuals based solely on their disabilities. This could lead to increased access to organ transplants for those with disabilities and may require healthcare providers to implement new policies and training to comply with the law.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A06924 appears to be generally supportive, as it aligns with broader efforts to ensure equality and non-discrimination in healthcare. However, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing the bill's provisions, particularly in relation to the medical evaluations of potential transplant recipients.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from healthcare providers who are concerned about the implications of the bill on their ability to make medical decisions based on individual patient evaluations. Some may argue that the bill could complicate the transplant process or lead to increased liability for providers if they are unable to consider certain medical factors related to a patient's disability.