I am pleased to announce that Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill on September 23, 2011 making New York the first state to endorse the importance of providing free legal services onsite at healthcare facilities. The Health-Related Legal Services Programs Law promotes Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLPs) and will establish standards for their implementation. The law defines “health-related legal services programs” as one which “provide[s] on site legal services without charge to assist…income eligible patients and their families to resolve legal matters or needs that have an impact on patient health or are created or aggravated by a patient’s health.” The new legislation paves the way for the stabilization and expansion of these services throughout New York.

This legislation is a great step forward for the medical-legal partnership movement and we are grateful to the visionary leaders that helped to make it happen. The law was sponsored by NYS Assemblyman Richard Gottfried (A 3304) and Senator Kemp Hannon (S 5556). LegalHealth would like to extend special recognition to Edie Mesick of the UJA Federation for her dedication to rallying support for this effort since 2007 and to the New York State Coalition of MLPs who raised awareness among their respective constituents.

There are now 15 legal service providers partnering with over 40 hospitals or health care facilities in New York State. This law recognizes the work of these MLPs, and that legal advocacy for New Yorkers with health concerns is most effective when it is a synergistic effort of doctors, social workers, and lawyers. As a team, we can better address the nonmedical factors burdening patients when they are most vulnerable – when they are sick and lack the time and resources to handle them. We strive to alleviate the nexus of poverty, poor health and lack of legal advocacy that traps vulnerable populations. By addressing basic needs such as housing, health insurance coverage, benefits eligibility, and employment issues, MLPs help resolve situations that may impede treatment or endanger a patient’s health.

In light of the current economic downturn and healthcare reform on both the state and federal levels, medical-legal partnerships are more critical than ever. By enacting this law, New York State has demonstrated a commitment to addressing the social conditions that cause health disparities. In addition, these partnerships assist healthcare facilities in preventing unnecessary hospital readmissions and providing safe and appropriate discharge planning. The law is an important public health tool that will serve as a model for other states across the country.

To learn more about medical-legal partnerships, please watch this short video which highlights LegalHealth’s services at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn.