Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced this week that the New York State Assembly has passed a bill (A.7558-A) he co-sponsored which would protect licensed physicians who prescribe long-term antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease from disciplinary action by the New York State Board of Professional Medical Conduct solely for prescribing, administering, or dispensing such treatment.

Throughout New York and East End of Long Island, there has been a dramatic increase in Lyme Disease cases. Due to the nature of the disease, Lyme Disease is a complicated illness to treat as well as to properly test for, as symptoms vary from patient to patient. In fact some physicians have received disciplinary actions from the New York State Board of Professional Medical Conduct for providing treatment to patients who have shown symptoms of Lyme Disease but whose tests have come back negative.

This bill would protect health care professionals with the authority to prescribe medication from disciplinary action against solely for prescribing, administering or dispensing long-term antibiotic therapy to a patient clinically diagnosed with Lyme Disease.

Assemblyman Thiele noted, “The extent and severity of the Lyme disease cases on the East End has escalated to the point of a public health crisis. Physicians should not be afraid to offer proper treatment. Early treatment can save lives.”

The Senate version, S.5520-B, is still under the review of the Senate Health Committee.