Senator Funke Legislation becomes law

SENATOR FUNKE LEGISLATION ALLOWING PHYSICIANS WITH TRAVELING SPORTS TEAMS
TO CARE FOR THEIR ATHLETES IN NEW YORK STATE IS SIGNED INTO LAW.

The new law provides another incentive for out-of-state sports teams to visit the State.

This week, Governor Cuomo signed into law new legislation sponsored by Senator Funke and Assemblyman Michael Cusick.  Up until now, New York State was one of only five states in the country that did not recognize visiting sports team physicians.  The restriction placed a heavy and unnecessary burden on sports teams, which had to secure local physicians to care for their team members.

"Signing this legislation was the right thing to do for many reasons," said Senator Funke. "Traveling physicians know how to care for their athletes best.  They shouldn't have to stand by on the sidelines and watch another doctor do their job because of an outdated law."

The new law (A7237/S4375) will also serve as a benefit to the Rochester and Finger Lakes region as it welcomes sports teams to visit the area and spend their resources locally.  Under the legislation, doctors who are licensed and in good standing in another state or territory to practice medicine can temporarily do so in New York, as long as they are serving members of their athletic team.  Team doctors will be allowed to provide medical services five days before and three days after each sporting event without a state license. 
 

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