Advocates call on Gov. Hochul to sign LICH Act ahead of deadline
The bill, which passed both the state Assembly and Senate earlier this year, seeks to overhaul the process for hospital closures in New York state by increasing transparency and requiring community input.
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Advocates are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the LICH Act before the deadline on Friday.
The bill, which passed both the state Assembly and Senate earlier this year, seeks to overhaul the process for hospital closures in New York state by increasing transparency and requiring community input.
The legislation is named after the 2014 closure of Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, which drew fierce opposition from residents, health care workers and community leaders.
Supporters say the bill could prevent similar situations, citing 27 hospitals statewide that are reportedly at risk of closing.
"People in Albany or the big executives in a hospital system, they're not on the ground. They don't know the local impacts. We believe those local impacts make a difference in people's lives, make a difference in people's health," said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, who sponsored the bill.
Gov. Hochul is reviewing the legislation, according to a spokesperson.
