New York, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) today announced that the Governor has signed into law her bill that will make health care proxies more accessible to the public.

“Although most people make advance plans for major life changes, such as the birth of a child or the purchase of a new home, end of life planning is often neglected because these conversations are difficult,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “This law, which will make information related to proxies more accessible to average New Yorkers, will help to spark an important dialogue.”

Chapter 178 of 2013 of the Laws of New York State, which will go into effect on January 1, 2014, requires that health-related state agency and authority websites provide a link to the New York State Department of Health’s health care proxy information page on their public websites. A health care proxy is a document that allows a person to designate another person, or agent, to make health care decisions on their behalf if the individual is incapable of doing so.

“Unfortunately, most people will lose the ability to make health care decisions on their own at some point in their life,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “Making health care proxy information more accessible to the public will help to prevent emotionally charged conflicts regarding health care between family members and loved ones, and will ensure that an individual’s preferences are honored and followed.”

Anyone interested in learning more about health care proxies before the law takes effect may visit the New York State Department of Health’s website at http://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-1430.pdf.