Assemblyman Nader J. Sayegh (D-Yonkers) is urging Governor Cuomo, state governmental and judicial leaders, and members of the New York Federal Delegation to establish and support an initiative allowing accredited Medical/Healthcare inmates currently in the custody of the various Departments of Corrections operating in New York State and elsewhere to serve in the Medical/Healthcare response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.
Assemblyman Sayegh recommended that all inmates currently in custody who have an accredited background as Physicians,
Physician Assistants and Specialist Assistants be given the opportunity to serve in a supplemental capacity in response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak in New York State.
“New York State is actively requesting that retired Medical/Healthcare professionals, medical students, and medical faculty provide themselves in a supplemental capacity for this crisis,” said Assemblyman Sayegh “While I support these measures, It’s in my view that given the severity of the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, we have to do more in preparation for the fast-approaching apex of cases that we will soon have on our hands.”
In the letters, Assemblyman Sayegh urged the Department of Corrections Offices and Office of Professional Medical Conduct to expeditiously begin a review of all relevant cases and allow for the temporary restoration of licensing on a provisional basis to inmates who are prepared to participate in response to this outbreak.
“Even by our most conservative metrics, New York State is not prepared for the massive influx of patients that the Coronavirus COVID-19 will bring to our hospitals. At the time of writing, New York has over 20,000 cases of Coronavirus COVID-19, with cases increasing exponentially across many regions of our state. Drastic times like these require that we make the most use of all of our available resources. By reinstating licenses to medical professionals under supervision for the duration of the outbreak, we add to our capabilities and increase the likelihood that we can adequately serve the pressing medical needs of all New Yorkers.” wrote Assemblyman Sayegh.
Assemblyman Sayegh also noted New York State has recognized four makeshift hospitals across the state which would serve as ideal locations for these released inmates to begin their service to our community and our state in their respective professional fields.
“My team and I are determined to helping identify solutions in response to this rapidly spreading contagion.” wrote Assemblyman Sayegh. “I urge you to take this recommendation under consideration as we strive to defeat Coronavirus COVID-19. As always, I remain ready for any discussion related to this matter on behalf of my constituents in the City of Yonkers and the people of the State of New York.”
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Assemblyman Nader Sayegh is the first Jordanian-American elected to the New York State Legislature. An Assemblyman representing the 90th District of Yonkers, Assemblyman Sayegh is also an attorney and retired educator with over 40 years of experience.
Before his election to the New York State Assembly, he served as a Teacher, Adjunct College Professor, School Principal, President of Yonkers Public Schools Board of Trustees, and President of the New York State Conference of Big Five School Districts.
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