New York lawmakers have spent nearly a decade trying to pass legislation specifically prohibiting disability discrimination in organ transplant decisions, according to Spectrum News 1.
The proposed Organ Donation Fairness Act would bar providers from denying a qualified person a transplant, referral or waiting-list placement solely because of a mental or physical disability.
The bill would still allow doctors to consider a disability when an individualized medical evaluation determines it is medically relevant to the transplant.
Current Assembly and Senate versions remain in committee despite bipartisan support, while similar federal legislation has passed the U.S. House and advanced through a Senate committee.
Advocates say state and federal protections are both needed to strengthen enforcement and ensure people with disabilities receive equal consideration during time-sensitive transplant decisions.
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