NY A09994

Establishes an office of the state medical indemnity fund ombudsman appointed by the commissioner with expertise in neurological injuries and advocacy to receive, investigate, and resolve complaints from qualified plaintiffs.

Ombudsman duties include identifying complaints affecting qualified plaintiffs, assisting them in navigating fund regulations and procedures, informing them of their rights and entitlements, and analyzing implementation of fund laws and regulations.

Ombudsman and deputies must maintain confidentiality of qualified plaintiff records without consent to disclose outside the office.

Requires ombudsman to submit annual reports to the commissioner, assembly speaker, and senate president detailing office activities, complaints, resolution processes, and legislative or regulatory recommendations.

Creates advisory panel chaired by the commissioner with at least nine additional members appointed by the governor (including two each recommended by the senate president and assembly speaker) to meet biannually and provide input on fund functioning and administration.