Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 2025, as Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness Month in the State of New York
Summary
Assembly Resolution 604 is a memorializing resolution that asks Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 2025 as Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness Month in New York State. The resolution does not create a new program, mandate, or funding stream; instead, it expresses the Legislature’s support for recognizing hospice and palliative care and encourages public awareness of these services.
The resolution describes hospice as a model of end-of-life care focused on comfort, dignity, symptom control, pain management, and support for patients and families. It also highlights palliative care as a broader approach that can be provided during serious illness to improve quality of life through holistic support, including emotional, spiritual, and social care. The text emphasizes advance care planning, caregiver training, respite care, and bereavement support as important components of these services.
Impact
Because this is a resolution rather than a bill amending the Public Health Law or another statute, it has no direct legal effect on state law and does not alter eligibility, reimbursement, or service requirements for hospice or palliative care providers. Its practical impact is symbolic and promotional: it would place the State’s official recognition behind hospice and palliative care awareness efforts during November 2025 and transmit that message to the Governor.
Sentiment
The tone of the resolution is strongly supportive and appreciative of hospice and palliative care, portraying these services as compassionate, patient-centered, and essential to quality end-of-life care. The text frames hospice as a model for how health care can work well and underscores the value of honoring patient preferences. No opposition or negative sentiment appears in the available materials, and there were no recorded votes or committee transcripts indicating controversy.
Contention
There is no evident substantive contention in the bill text or available legislative history. Because the measure is a commemorative resolution, it does not appear to raise disputes over spending, regulation, or enforcement. Any possible discussion would likely center on the broader policy importance of awareness campaigns and the role of hospice and palliative care in the health system, but no specific objections or competing viewpoints are documented here.