New York Senate Bill J01779

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/18/26
• Refer: 3/18/26

Caption

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 2026, as Ambulatory Surgery Center Month in the State of New York

Summary

This resolution memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 2026 as Ambulatory Surgery Center Month in New York State. It is a ceremonial measure intended to recognize ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and their role in providing same-day surgical care, increasing access to routine procedures, and offering cost-efficient treatment outside of hospital settings. The resolution describes ASCs as long-established, licensed, and accredited facilities that perform thousands of procedures, including cataract surgery, colonoscopies, endoscopies, and orthopedic procedures. It emphasizes their contribution to preserving hospital capacity, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights their economic and workforce impact, including the prevalence of small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses in the sector.

Impact

As a resolution, J01779 does not change state law, create new regulatory requirements, or appropriate funds. Its practical effect is limited to formally urging the Governor to issue a proclamation designating August 2026 as Ambulatory Surgery Center Month and to publicly recognize ASCs and their contributions to health care access, efficiency, and cost savings in New York.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment is strongly supportive and celebratory. The resolution presents ASCs in a positive light, praising their quality of care, efficiency, economic value, and role in expanding access to surgery while reducing pressure on hospitals. There is no recorded opposition, committee debate, or vote history in the provided materials, suggesting the measure was noncontroversial and symbolic in nature.

Contention

No specific points of contention are reflected in the bill text, voting history, or committee materials provided. Because the measure is a commemorative resolution rather than substantive legislation, any disagreement would likely be limited to the general practice of issuing honorary proclamations rather than to the merits of ambulatory surgery centers themselves. The resolution’s emphasis on cost savings, COVID-19-era capacity relief, and small-business ownership appears designed to build broad support.