New York City’s healthcare landscape is facing a critical crossroads, as elected officials rally behind legislation designed to empower communities during hospital closures.
The spotlight is on Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk, where the Local Input for Community Hospitals (LICH) Act awaits her signature. This landmark bill, approved by both state legislative branches in June, seeks to greatly amplify community voices in the decision-making process surrounding potential hospital closures.
City councilmembers, in a show of strong support, have formally requested Hochul’s approval through a resolution. Meanwhile, state lawmakers instrumental in crafting the LICH Act presented compelling testimonies before a Council hearing, shedding light on the profound impact hospital closures have on communities.
Governor Hochul’s office confirmed that the legislation is currently undergoing careful review.
The LICH Act draws its name from the 2014 closure of Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, a deeply controversial move met with fierce community resistance. Gains momentum for the LICH Act intensified this year amidst proposals to shutter two other vital healthcare facilities: Mount Sinai Beth Israel in Lower Manhattan and SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn. Although both hospitals remain operational, their futures hang in the balance.
Brooklyn State Senator Zellnor Myrie, a mayoral hopeful, recounted the unsettling experience of SUNY Downstate’s closure proposal, branding the public engagement process “rushed, secretive, and wholly inadequate.” Myrie emphasized the perceived insult to the community, highlighting the strength of their collective pushback against the plan.
In response to the community outcry, Governor Hochul established a task force to chart the path forward for SUNY Downstate. This task force is tasked with delivering its recommendations by April 2025.
If enacted, the LICH Act would mandate the state health commissioner to conduct a comprehensive public forum at least 150 days before a proposed hospital closure. Furthermore, hospitals would be required to present detailed analyses outlining the closure’s impact on health equity within the surrounding area and propose strategies to mitigate any adverse effects. Similar assessments are currently mandated for certain service cuts, but not for complete hospital closures.
During the Council hearing, members questioned city health officials about their role in navigating hospital closures. Officials acknowledged their limited authority, explaining that the ultimate decision-making power rests with the state health department.
Dr. Michelle Morse, the city’s acting health commissioner, highlighted the city’s involvement in assessing the potential health equity ramifications of service reductions, but emphasized this process doesn’t apply in the case of closures. However, she acknowledged the city’s preparations to potentially expand services at public hospitals like Bellevue in Manhattan and Kings County in Brooklyn, potentially impacted by closures.
Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse from Brooklyn stressed the need for these preparations to occur much earlier in the process, advocating for a more proactive approach.
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