FORUM FOCUSES ON DRUG LAWS, HEALTH CARE

Health care and drug laws were among the topics state lawmakers
tackled during a forum last night hosted by the Staten Island Women's
Bar Association.

During the organization's "Legislative Day 2000," held over dinner at
Amelia's Restaurant, Rosebank, the Island's state officials fielded
questions ranging from pending laws to conditions in local
courthouses.

Among the panelists were state Sens. Vincent Gentile and John Marchi,
as well as Assemblymen Robert Straniere and Eric Vitaliano and
Assemblywoman Elizabeth Connelly.

The forum, moderated by Dongan Hills attorney Kathleen M. Garrigan,
president of the Island chapter of the association, included a
discussion about the repeal of mandatory drug sentencing guidelines,
commonly known as the "Rockefeller Drug Laws."

The Women's Bar Association supports the repeal of such guidelines --
which they say has caused the number of women behind bars to increase
by more than eight times the number between 1986 to 1996 -- and favor
the return of judicial discretion in sentencing.

Also supported by the organization is the Managed Care Responsibility
Bill, which would hold HMOs liable for personal injury resulting from
delays in approving covered health care services.

Another piece of health-related legislation, the Women's Health and
Wellness Act, which would amend insurance and public health law, was
also discussed. The act, also supported by the organization, provides
for insurance coverage for contraceptives and the prevention or
treatment of diseases mostly affecting women, such as osteoporosis and
lymphedema.

Also among the legislation supported by the association is a proposal
dealing with insurance coverage for infertility treatments, including
drug therapies, artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilization, and
embryo donation.

In addition to legislation already pending in the Assembly or Senate,
other issues were also covered, such as a proposal that would allow
immunity for mothers of unwanted babies who bring them to a hospital
to ensure their safety.