Senator Gallivan Announces Two Health Related Bills Signed Into Law

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma), the Ranking Member of the Senate’s Committee on Health, announces two bills he co-sponsored in the Senate have been signed into law by the governor. The legislation establishes a statewide Parkinson’s disease registry and creates a Down syndrome awareness program for health care providers.

The first bill, (S.4674A) will ensure the collection of accurate, reliable data to enhance the delivery of services to individuals with Parkinson’s, help identify high-risk groups and help researchers in their efforts to identify a cure. Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder, with the number of cases having doubled in the past 25 years.  Current estimates show that over one million people live with the disease in the United States.

“The U.S. does not have a Parkinson’s disease registry,” Senator Gallivan said. “Several states have established their own registries, and New York should do the same to better support people living with Parkinson’s and to gather valuable data that can be shared with health care experts.”

A second bill, (S.593A) creates a Down syndrome awareness program, requiring doctors to provide up to date and evidence-based information on Down syndrome to pregnant women and parents of infants who test positive for the condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 6,000 babies with Down syndrome are born in the United States each year.

“It’s important for the State Health Department to develop educational materials and other resources that doctors can share with families facing a Down syndrome diagnosis,” Senator Gallivan said. “Children and parents deserve access to the best information and guidance available.”

Both bills passed the legislature earlier this year and were signed into law by the governor on December 13, 2024. 

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