Doctors Plan Rally on Capitol Steps Next Tues, March 3, to Demand Health Care Reforms

ALBANY, NY (02/28/2009)(readMedia)-- Busloads of physicians from around the state will start driving before dawn next Tuesday morning to a rally in Albany, where they will demand legislative reforms from their state legislators and the governor to protect their community's access to health care.

The Medical Society of the State of New York's (MSSNY) State Legislation Day is scheduled to begin promptly at 9 am, Tuesday, March 3, in the Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre of the Empire State Plaza (the Egg). Physicians will first get a state healthcare update from legislative and executive branch leaders.

The physicians will focus on the need for medical liability reform, managed care reform and budget items that affect patient access to care and Medicaid funding.

Governor Paterson is scheduled to address the doctors along with NYS Commissioner of Health Richard Daines, MD. Also speaking to the group will be key legislative leaders including the Senate Majority and Senate Minority Leaders plus the Assembly Health Committee and Senate Health Committee Chairs and Senate Insurance Committee Chair. Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Joseph Baker is likewise slated to speak.

The nearly 1,000 doctors from across New York State are expected to attend the rally and then march to the capitol steps at 12:30 pm for a final briefing from physician leaders before proceeding to the offices of their respective legislators to demand necessary reforms.

The press is invited to attend all events.

For more information, contact: Tom Donoghue at 516-672-3625 or tdonoghue@mssny.org or Moe Auster at 518-465-8085 or 518-225-0005 or mauster@mssny.org.