Relates to disaster preparedness

1 Co-sponsor

• Patrick M. Gallivan

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to state disaster preparedness plans

Purpose

This bill requires that the state disaster preparedness plan make provisions to ensure that medical supplies and medication can be delivered to pharmacies, hospitals and nursing homes located within an area declared to be experiencing a disaster.

Summary of provisions

Section one adds a new subparagraph to subdivision three of section 22 of the executive law by requiring that the state disaster preparedness plan consider how medical supplies and medication can be delivered to pharmacies, hospitals and nursing homes located within the an area declared to be experiencing a disaster emergency.

Section two provides that this act shall take effect thirty days after becoming law.

Justification

Ensuring the continuation of medical care to those in need of medical services during a declared state of emergency is of upmost importance. Therefore, it is imperative that our state preparedness plan consider how medication and supplies can be efficiently delivered to hospitals, pharmacies and nursing homes during a declared state of emergency.

During Hurricane Sandy the Port Authority closed the bridges to Long Island to all but emergency vehicles. In one instance, a medical delivery company was forced to rent an ambulance in order to deliver their shipment of an uncommon drug to a hospitalized patient in dire straits. It took several hours to coordinate the delivery of this medication, despite requests for assistance from the State Police. All the while, the patient was at risk and without their needed medication.

During the November 2014 blizzard in Buffalo, the upstate driving ban prevented even emergency deliveries to area hospitals. Several health systems have report that during the three day driving ban, they had to cut off or significantly limit prescription therapy/dosages to patients.

As a state, we need to do better to ensure that patients have access to the medication and supplies they rely on during declared emergencies. By requiring that the state preparedness plan consider and make arrangements to ensure that medication and supplies can be delivered to pharmacies, hospitals and nursing homes during declared emergencies, we can be better prepared for the next disaster.

Legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

None to the state

Effective date

This act shall take effect 30 days after becoming law.