BILL NUMBER: S3474

SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to enacting "Lian's
Law"

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1 adds preeclampsia, including information about detection, risk
factors and management, and possible options for treatments, to the list
of health care matters included in the health care and wellness educa-
tion and outreach program.

Section 2 sets forth the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Preeclampsia is a serious medical condition caused by high blood pres-
sure any time after the twentieth week of pregnancy. This can result in
              

stress on the organs of the body, and if left untreated, can lead to
organ damage, strokes or seizures, premature birth, and even death.
Preeclampsia affects roughly five percent of all pregnancies. However,
in many cases it can be detected early on or prevented altogether.

A resident of Greece, NY, Lian Shalala Gravelle was a loving mother to
her infant newborns, Charles and Enzo. Being a mother was Lian's dream,
but tragically, she died just six months after giving birth from compli-
cations from preeclampsia. As a mother and attorney, Lian was a passion-
ate advocate for reproductive and maternal health. This legislation
carries her spirit and commitment to providing better health care to new
and expecting mothers.

This bill would add preeclampsia to the list of health care matters
included in the Department of Health's Health Care and Wellness Educa-
tion and Outreach Program. This additional public awareness and educa-
tion would equip those most at risk to be able to detect, prevent, and
seek appropriate medical treatment. Ultimately, this could save the
lives of everyone involved.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal
of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act
on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or
before such effective date.