Authorizes the department of health to designate a level one or level two trauma center in Far Rockaway, county of Queens

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Khaleel Anderson

Authorizes DOH to designate a Level 1 or Level 2 trauma center in Far Rockaway, Queens, to improve access to higher-level trauma care.

REFERRED TO HEALTH

Summary: Bill A 8686 — Designation of Trauma Center in Far Rockaway, Queens

Overview

Bill Number: A 8686

Title: Authorizes the department of health to designate a level one or level two trauma center in Far Rockaway, county of Queens

Status: Referred to Health

Introduced: May 29, 2025

Current Legislative Actions: On May 29, 2025, the bill was referred to the Health committee (listed twice in the actions).

Sponsor: Khaleel Anderson (primary)

Related/Senate Companion: S 8289 (companion bill)

Purpose and Intent

The bill authorizes the New York Department of Health (DOH) to designate a facility in Far Rockaway, Queens, as a Level 1 or Level 2 trauma center. The aim is to formalize access to higher-level trauma services in this specific geographic area, potentially improving emergency medical response and outcomes for residents in Far Rockaway and nearby communities.

Key Provisions (as stated)

Designation Authority: DOH would have the authority to designate a trauma center at Level 1 or Level 2 in Far Rockaway.

Geographic Focus: The designation is restricted to Far Rockaway, within the county of Queens.

Standards and Process: While the exact text is not provided here, such designations typically require compliance with state trauma care standards and DOH processes for verification and designation. The bill would set the framework for how a facility could attain and maintain Level 1 or Level 2 status.

Note: The available information does not include specific criteria, timelines, or funding provisions, so the precise implementation details are not stated here.

Affected Parties and Impacts

Residents of Far Rockaway and Western Queens: Potentially improved access to higher-level trauma care, which can affect emergency response times and outcomes for major injuries.

Hospitals/Health Facilities in the Area: If a local hospital seeks designation, it would undergo DOH review to meet Level 1 or Level 2 requirements.

New York DOH: Would administer the designation process, standards, and ongoing compliance monitoring.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Next Steps: After referral to Health, the bill would typically move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the state Assembly. If passed, it would proceed to the Senate (and eventually to the governor for signature), with the Senate companion S 8289 mirroring the same or similar provisions.

Fiscal Considerations: No explicit funding or fiscal provisions are included in the summarized information available here.

Additional Context

The existence of a Senate companion (S 8289) suggests concurrent consideration in both chambers, which is common for measures intended to address regional healthcare access and trauma care capacity.

If you’d like, I can add a brief glossary of trauma center levels (Level 1 vs Level 2) or compare this bill to typical DOH designation processes.