New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08686

Introduced
5/29/25  
Refer
5/29/25  

Caption

Authorizes the department of health to designate a level one or level two trauma center in Far Rockaway, county of Queens.

Summary

This bill authorizes the New York State Department of Health to designate a level one or level two trauma center in Far Rockaway, Queens County, if the center meets all applicable department requirements, rules, and regulations. The measure is targeted to a specific geographic area and is intended to allow a trauma center designation there even if the facility is not a hospital. The bill also provides that the designated trauma center would be exempt from conflicting requirements of the American College of Surgeons. In effect, it gives the Department of Health flexibility to recognize a trauma center in Far Rockaway under state standards without being constrained by certain outside accreditation or structural requirements that might otherwise apply.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend state health policy by expressly empowering the Department of Health to approve a trauma center in Far Rockaway, Queens, under state regulatory standards. It would not create a new statewide trauma-center framework, but it would carve out a location-specific authorization and override conflicting American College of Surgeons requirements for that designation. The practical effect would be to broaden the types of facilities that could qualify as a trauma center in that area, potentially affecting local emergency care access, hospital planning, and trauma system administration.

Sentiment

The available record shows no committee transcript or vote history, so there is no documented debate or recorded opposition in the materials provided. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears straightforward and locally focused, with an apparent public-safety and access-to-care rationale. Because no discussion or votes are included, overall sentiment cannot be measured beyond the bill’s neutral, administrative framing.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the bill’s exemption from conflicting American College of Surgeons requirements, which could raise questions about trauma-center standards, accreditation, and quality assurance. Another possible issue is the bill’s narrow geographic focus on Far Rockaway, which may prompt questions about why this area receives a special authorization and whether similar communities should receive comparable treatment. No specific supporters or opponents are identified in the provided materials.

Companion Bills

NY S08289

Same As Authorizes the department of health to designate a level one or level two trauma center in Far Rockaway, county of Queens.

Previously Filed As

NY S08289

Authorizes the department of health to designate a level one or level two trauma center in Far Rockaway, county of Queens.

NY S07539

Makes an appropriation to reimburse St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway for costs incurred as a result of remaining open and providing services to the community during and after Hurricane Sandy.

NY A10605

Authorizes the city of New York to establish a residential parking system in the postal designation and area of Queens village near the UBS arena.

NY S09987

Authorizes the city of New York to discontinue certain parkland in the borough of Queens and transfer such parkland to the metropolitan transportation authority.

NY A10866

Authorizes the city of New York to discontinue certain parkland in the borough of Queens and transfer such parkland to the metropolitan transportation authority.

NY S07582

Requires the recommendation to a parent for blood lead level screenings of their child when a health care provider finds high lead levels in the blood of such child; directs the department of health to conduct an environmental investigation when a child is found to have high levels of lead in their blood.

NY A09639

Prohibits the issuing of major renewable energy and major electric transmission facility siting permits in designated grassland bird conservation centers including, but not limited to, three such centers in Jefferson county, one center in Saint Lawrence county, the Oak-Orchard-Iroquois center, the Washington County Grasslands center, the Finger Lakes National Forest center and the Shawangunk Grasslands.

NY S09344

Prohibits the issuing of major renewable energy and major electric transmission facility siting permits in designated grassland bird conservation centers including, but not limited to, three such centers in Jefferson county, one center in Saint Lawrence county, the Oak-Orchard-Iroquois center, the Washington County Grasslands center, the Finger Lakes National Forest center and the Shawangunk Grasslands.

NY S10216

Requires the department of health to consult with the office of addiction services and supports, the office for the prevention of domestic violence, and the department of veterans' services for purposes of administering the traumatic brain injury program and state policies with respect to traumatic brain injuries; adds the commissioner or executive director of such offices or departments to the traumatic brain injury services coordinating council.

NY S08588

Transfers certain state property owned by the New York state division of military and naval affairs located in the town of Queensbury to the county of Warren provided certain requirements are met.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.