Requires the commissioner of health to develop a sustainability plan for the state university of New York downstate medical center; provides that such sustainability plan shall not limit or alter the rights of employees pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A4558
SPONSOR: Cunningham (MS) TITLE OF BILL:
An act in relation to requiring the commissioner of health to develop a
sustainability plan for the state university of New York downstate
medical center
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To require the commissioner of the Department of Health to draft and
submit a sustainability plan for the SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 provides the legislative findings and intent.
Section 2 requires the commissioner of health to develop a sustainabili-
ty plan for SUNY Downstate Medical Center in consultation with the SUNY
Chancellor and respective employee organizations. It also explains the
considerations and key focuses for capital projects and funding allo-
cations.
Section 3 ensures that existing public employees' collective bargaining
status is preserved and protected and that new public employees are
assigned to existing bargaining units when the commissioner's sustaina-
bility plan is implemented. Should there be any impact, however, the
State University of New York must inform their members.
Section .4 provides for an effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
The SUNY Downstate Medical Center is one of the state's largest safetyn-
et hospitals, which cares for all patients, regardless of their ability
to pay. It predominantly serves people of color, low income, uninsured,
underinsured, undocumented and at-risk individuals who have limited
access to other affordable healthcare and who are more prone to suffer
from serious disease and face higher morbidity rates than other patients
across our city and state. At the height of the pandemic, when the city
of New York was at the epicenter, the governor designated SUNY Downstate
as a "COVID-only hospital," and for the ensuing nine months it provided
life-saving care to the sickest New Yorkers, forgoing other patient
revenue without any additional state funding support.
SUNY Downstate is vital to the Brooklyn economy and is one of the ten
largest employers in Brooklyn, providing employment for 4,200 people.
It is also responsible for nearly $900 million in economic activity,
generating nearly $2 million in tax revenue. The hospital is the heart
of central Brooklyn and has the largest medical school in New York City,
which offers training in 56 specialties across five schools and colleges
and annually educates and trains nearly 1,900 students. This institution
plays an essential part in producing the next generation of health care
professionals, who are desperately needed to sustain our state health
care system.
After years of neglect, the State must develop a comprehensive and real-
istic plan to ensure SUNY Downstate's future sustainability. This bill
requires the Department of Health to develop a sustainability plan for
SUNY Downstate that takes into account its unique needs, patient mix,
and importance to Central Brooklyn and beyond.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A7546/S6956 - Referred to Health / Passed Senate
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.
