State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr., (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) today announced that Governor Cuomo has signed A.7558-B/S.7854 into law. This new law, Chapter 532 of the Laws of 2014, would protect licensed physicians who prescribe long-term antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease from disciplinary action by the New York State Board of Professional Medical Conduct solely for prescribing, administering, or dispensing such treatment.

Thiele explained that there has been a dramatic increase in Lyme Disease cases throughout New York and the East End of Long Island. Due to the nature of the disease, Lyme Disease is a complicated illness to treat as well as to properly test for, as symptoms vary from patient to patient. In fact some physicians have received disciplinary actions from the New York State Board of Professional Medical Conduct for providing treatment to patients who have shown symptoms of Lyme Disease but whose tests have come back negative.

“The extent and severity of the Lyme disease cases on the East End has escalated to the point of a public health crisis. Physicians should not be afraid to offer proper treatment. Early treatment can save lives,” noted Assemblyman Thiele, a co-sponsor of the legislation.