Governor Hochul Signs HEART Act!

On October 16, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the HEART Act (Senate Bill S7151A) into law—a major step forward for New Yorkers waiting for life-saving organ transplants. HEART stands for Helping Equal Access to Registrations for Transplants, and that’s exactly what this law aims to do.

Before this law Patients in New York were only allowed to be listed at one in-state transplant center. Now, under the HEART Act people can register at multiple transplant centers within New York State. This may sound like a small adjustment, but for transplant candidates, it can be life-changing.

Why This Matters

Being listed at more than one transplant program gives patients a better chance of receiving a donor organ sooner. Different centers may have:

• Varying wait times

• Different evaluation criteria

• Access to different pools of donors

Previously, only patients who could afford to travel out of state—or had insurance that covered it—could list at multiple programs. Now, more New Yorkers have a fair shot.

Who Benefits Most?

This law brings much-needed equity to the transplant process, especially for:

• Transplant Candidates: People on waiting lists can now increase their opportunities for a match without leaving the state or navigating complicated insurance barriers.

• Medicaid & Low-Income Patients: Those who couldn’t afford out-of-state evaluations now have access to multiple in-state listings, opening doors that were previously closed.

• Communities Facing Health Disparities: Communities of color, who are disproportionately represented in transplant waiting lists and Medicaid enrollment, may experience improved access and outcomes.

What Experts Are Saying

Advocates estimate the HEART Act could reduce mortality among transplant candidates by as much as 20% and significantly shorten wait times for many patients.

It also aligns New York with national transplant practices, making the system more efficient, flexible, and patient-centered.

What Happens Next?

Transplant centers across New York will now update their processes to support multi-listing. Patients will still need to:

• Be evaluated at each center

• Meet each center’s eligibility criteria

• Be prepared for potential travel or medical check-ins depending on the program

While multiple listings don’t guarantee a transplant, they do expand opportunity.

A Step Forward in Organ Access & Equity

The HEART Act doesn’t solve every challenge—organ shortages, medical eligibility, and logistics still matter—but it removes a significant barrier that many families have struggled with for years.

For thousands of New Yorkers waiting for a second chance at life, this reform brings hope—and more pathways to healing.