NYS Justice Center Commemorates 40th Anniversary of Surrogate Decision-Making Committee in New York State
First-of-its-kind program celebrates major milestone during National Volunteer Month
The New York State Justice Center is pleased to commemorate the 40th anniversary of New York’s Surrogate Decision-Making Committee (SDMC)—the first volunteer group in the country charged with quickly making major medical decisions for people with a behavioral health or intellectual disability. This important milestone marks 40 years since the launch of the initial SDMC pilot program in New York, which began in April of 1986 at the direction of Governor Mario Cuomo. The anniversary is especially important as the nation observes National Volunteer Month, providing an opportunity to pause and honor volunteers across the country who dedicate their time to the service of others.
SDMC was created to identify an alternative to the courts for major medical decisions within certain care systems. The pilot expanded statewide in 2001 and came under the jurisdiction of the Justice Center in 2013.
Today, SDMC is authorized to provide consent for non-emergency major medical treatment and end-of-life care decisions for people who qualify. The program consists of volunteer panels that make the decision, providing for a quicker, more accessible, cost-free, and personalized process.
“Before SDMC, treatment decisions could only be made through the court system. This was an expensive, impersonal, and lengthy process that resulted in delayed medical care,” said Maria Lisi-Murray, Acting Executive Director of the Justice Center. "Governor Hochul has consistently prioritized improved protections and rights for all New Yorkers, especially those who cannot advocate for themselves. We’re fortunate to live in a state with such thoughtful leadership and dedicated community volunteers who share in this commitment to advocacy and compassion. The Justice Center is deeply grateful for the time, care, and expertise our SDMC volunteers contribute every day, and we thank those who have served over the last four decades.”
SDMC decision-making services are available to people who are unable to provide informed consent and have no authorized, available, and willing surrogate to act on their behalf. For major medical decisions, SDMC is available to people who were current or former residents of a program operated, licensed, approved or funded by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the Office of Mental Health (OMH), or the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and anyone who has received services from OPWDD. For end-of-life decision-making, services are available to people who have a diagnosis of intellectual/developmental disability.
The committee is composed of nearly 400 volunteers, several of whom have served on the committee for more than 30 years. Since the launch of the pilot program in 1986, SDMC has handled more than 30,000 cases for New Yorkers.
Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer said, “OPWDD applauds the Surrogate Decision-Making Committee on 40 years of advocacy for people with disabilities. OPWDD believes that every person with a developmental disability has the right to make their own major life decisions, and their preferences should always be at the forefront of any decision-making done on their behalf. It is critical that when a person is incapacitated, or cannot speak or advocate for themselves, that they have compassionate surrogates that can assist.”
Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Appointees to the Surrogate Decision-Making Committee have now spent four decades helping to guarantee appropriate and timely treatment and care determinations for New Yorkers, offering an important advocacy role within our continuum of care. The committee’s valuable work supports those in need with a personalized process at critical times in life.”
Those who are interested in serving as an SDMC volunteer should fill out the online application or contact the Justice Center for more information [email protected].
