Bill > A04558

This bill requires the New York State Commissioner of Health to develop a comprehensive sustainability plan for the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center by December 31, 2025. The plan must thoroughly examine the hospital's financial health, operations, patient demographics, and potential service expansions, with a particular focus on addressing the needs of low-income, uninsured, undocumented, and at-risk individuals in Brooklyn. Specifically, the commissioner must assess the hospital's current financial challenges, explore new healthcare service areas, identify gaps in local healthcare services, and evaluate potential improvements such as establishing a center for maternal and children's health. The bill emphasizes the hospital's critical role as a safety-net provider, major employer, and medical education institution, serving predominantly people of color and providing essential healthcare services. Importantly, the bill includes strong protections for employees, explicitly stating that the sustainability plan cannot limit or alter existing employee rights under collective bargaining agreements, and requires SUNY to inform employee organizations of any potential impacts from the plan's implementation. The sustainability plan will ultimately serve to inform the governor's 2026-2027 executive budget submission, with the goal of ensuring the hospital's continued operation and financial viability.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4558