NY A05370

Department of Health Commissioner must develop and disseminate information about bone marrow donation, registries, and programs including the National Marrow Donor Program "Be The Match Registry" and The Bone Marrow Foundation.

Required information must cover the need for bone marrow donations, patient populations that would benefit, how to join registries, and how to obtain free buccal swab kits.

Information must be made available to the public on the Department's website and through other means determined by the Commissioner, and provided to physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.

Physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners providing primary care may ask new patients ages 18-44 whether they are registered with a bone marrow registry and must provide department-developed information to unregistered patients.

Act takes effect January 1st following the date it becomes law, with authority to adopt necessary rules and regulations immediately.