Relates to bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell donation and donation registration, and creates the anatomical gift, bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell

1 Co-sponsor

• Kenneth P. LaValle

BILL NUMBER:S2215A

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to providing for the creation and dissemination of information pertaining to bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell donation and bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell donation registration

Purpose

Establishing Jaden's Law in relation to bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell donation and donation registration, and creates the anatomical gifts of bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 designates this act as "Jaden's Law"

Section 2 amends the public health law by adding a new paragraph j to section 207 to read as follows:

1. (a) the commissioner shall prepare a brochure based on information derived from the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), and designed to inform patients of the option to become a bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell (PESO) donor by registering with the NMDP.

2. (a) A physician, as early a practicable and Where such physician deems appropriate, may provide a copy of the brochure to patients:

(1) who are at least eighteen years of age but no more than 60 years of age; and

(2) who the physician anticipates will be admitted to a hospital for an elective orthopedic procedure or treatment or otherwise believes is a good candidate for donation or is desired by the patient.

(b) the physician shall offer to discuss the information contained in the brochure with the patient.

(c) shall not apply to physician who has religious preclusions.

Section 4 amends section 4310 of the public health law is amended to include bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell donations to the New York state donate life registry and the manner thereof.

Section 3 provides an immediate effective date.

Justification

The current National Marrow Donor Program contains a registry of millions. For a successful transplant, the tissue type of a bone marrow donor or a cord blood unit needs to match the patient's as closely as possible. Tissue types are inherited, so patients are more likely to match someone who shares their racial or ethnic heritage.

Therefore, it remains difficult to match many patients, especially those from racially and ethnically diverse communities.

Like bone marrow, cord blood is rich in the blood-forming cells that can be used in transplants for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and many other life-threatening diseases. These cells are not embryonic stem cells but contain life saving qualities. There is a tremendous need for more people to join the registry and expectant parents to donate umbilical cord blood. This legislation will help more people receive a transplant and more families will have a future filled with hope.

Legislative history

2013-14: S.2215 - referred to Health 2011-12: S.5123-A - referred to Health

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.