Governor Paterson

David A. Paterson, Governor

Commissioner Daines

Richard F. Daines, M.D., Commissioner

Health News

May 9, 2008

New York State Department of Health Funds Projects to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Infections

Seven non-profit health organizations will share in more than $1.2 million in funding for demonstration projects that focus on the prevention of infections acquired in hospitals, the state Department of Health announced today.

May 8, 2008

Governor Paterson Announces Nearly $109 Million in New Stem Cell Research Funding

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that nearly $109 million in new state funding is being made available to support stem cell research initiatives in New York. The nearly $109 million represents the second round of available funding from the state's 11-year, $600 million stem cell research initiative that was approved as part of last year's state budget.

Health Commissioner Suspends License of Utica Physician for Moral Unfitness, Fraudulent Practice of Medicine, Gross Negligence

State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., has used his emergency powers to summarily suspend the license of a Utica physician based on multiple charges of medical misconduct. A summary suspension of a physician's license precludes the doctor from caring for any patients.

New York to Nail Down the Facts About Medicaid Services to Ensure High Quality Care Based on Good Science and Good Practice

Do Medicaid patients receive appropriate medical care, based on scientific evidence and best practices? The state Department of Health is undertaking a comprehensive review to answer that question as part of its strategy to improve health care quality, ensure patient safety, and rein in unnecessary Medicaid costs.

Department of Health Urges New Yorkers to Get Immunized and Get Tested During Hepatitis Awareness Month in May

"Am I number 12? Am I one of the 500 million worldwide - one in 12 - with viral hepatitis B or C?"

May 7, 2008

State Health Department Selects Three Hospices to Apply For Certificate of Need Approval to Become Hospice Residence Pilot Sites

State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., today announced awardees under the Department's Hospice Residence Pilot Program. The awarded hospices – Metropolitan Jewish Hospice, Niagara Hospice Inc., and Visiting Nurse Service of New York Hospice Care – submitted proposals through a Request for Applications review process, and now can advance to the next stage to seek Certificate of Need (CON) approval to become hospice residence pilot sites.

May 6, 2008

Niagara, Erie and State Health Departments Warn of Possible Bloodborne Infection Risk from Niagara Falls Tattoo Artist

People who received tattoos from John Portik III of Niagara Falls should be tested for bloodborne diseases, announced the State, Niagara County and Erie County health departments today. A public health investigation has identified eight people who developed skin infections after receiving tattoos by Mr. Portik.

State Health Commissioner Addresses Anti-Smoking Advocates as June 3 Implementation of Tobacco Tax Increase Nears

State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., will outline his strategy to increase the availability of medicinal nicotine products while limiting the availability of the most toxic forms of nicotine delivery – tobacco use – in a speech today at 12:45 p.m. at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center.