The Brain Injury Association of New York State is pleased to present our 2019 Legislative and Administrative Priorities. New Yorkers with brain injuries face many obstacles on their journey to recovery, often falling through the cracks of the health care system when their injuries are misdiagnosed and misunderstood. BIANYS advocates for brain injury survivors so that everyone has access to the services they need, and we look forward to working with Governor Cuomo and the Legislature to ensure that the needs of survivors are met. Our 2019 policy advocacy efforts will focus on:
- Continuum of Care for People with a Traumatic Brain Injury: New Yorkers with brain injuries deserve to get the help they need from the time of their injury to the time they integrate back into their community. BIANYS is proposing legislation that will enhance prevention and outreach, treatment and rehabilitation, and support services.
- Amend the 2011 New York State Concussion Management Awareness Act: BIANYS will work to gain amendments to the CMAA that focus on identifying and implementing paths to achieving a successful Return-to-Life for all New Yorkers that have sustained a concussion. We will also work to achieve amendments that will make the CMAA more inclusive to all New Yorkers with brain injuries.
- Establish a Brain Injury Trust Fund: New Yorkers with brain injuries need specialized services, which come at a hefty cost and are often not covered by insurance. BIANYS will work to establish a Brain Injury Trust Fund as a payor of last resort for brain injury survivors in need.
“BIANYS is committed to improving the lives of New York’s brain injury survivors through improved access to treatment and rehabilitation. These policy priorities will go a long way to making sure that they are empowered to make their own decisions and have access to the support they need to do so,” said Eileen Reardon, BIANYS Executive Director.
BIANYS is looking forward to working with brain injury survivors, caregivers and family members, along with other advocates and elected officials on these and other issues as the legislative session continues. Please visit bianys.org for additional information.