New York, NY - Assemblyman David I. Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows, Richmond Hill) joined Citizens for Safe Endoscopy and the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association today to announce the Upper Endoscopy Reform Act, A9763.

Inspired by the death of New York City icon Joan Rivers following her endoscopic treatment at Yorkville Endoscopy, A9763 aims to prevent complications that arise from sedation during endoscopic procedures by offering patients, when suitable, the option of a safer, newer, and more cost-effective alternative; Unsedated Transnasal Endoscopy or TNE.

For patients undergoing an Upper Endoscopy, Assemblyman Weprin’s legislation creates a patient Bill of Rightslisting the advantages and disadvantages of both a traditional Upper Endoscopy and a TNE treatment. Additionally, in cases where endoscopic equipment cannot be sterilized, the Upper Endoscopy Reform Act requires doctors to inform patients of the possible risks of using disinfected but non-sterile equipment.

“I strongly believe that a patient has a right to informed consent with respect to the procedures being performed on them” said Assemblyman David Weprin. “Informed consent and patient choice are basic human rights; and no person should undergo a procedure without having all available information. We can save lives, lower costs, and provide consumer choice by passing the Upper Endoscopy Reform Act.”