Hannon to Receive Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service

The American Medical Association (AMA) has named Sen. Kemp Hannon a recipient of the 2012 Dr. Nathan A. Davis Awards for Outstanding Government Service in the category “Outstanding Member of a State Legislature.”

Hannon will receive his award today.

These awards are recognized nationally as one of the most prestigious honors extended to elected officials and governmental employees for outstanding endeavors that advance public health.

Through these awards, named for their founder, the AMA strives to encourage and stimulate public recognition for the significant accomplishments attained by men and women who are giving of themselves to advance the well-being of all.

“I am truly privileged to have even been considered for such a prestigious honor,” Hannon said. “I would like to thank Dr. Paul Anthony Hamlin, and William R. Abrams of the Medical Society of the State of New York for their nomination, and I certainly appreciate their recognition of my efforts in furthering health care in New York State.”

These awards are presented for outstanding contributions that “promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.”  The award criteria comprise one or more of the following: 

• Contributed greatly to the public health through elected and career government service;
• Is an outstanding leader in his/her field;
• Has high personal integrity;
• Promoted the art and science of medicine in or though government service; and,
• Developed a special project that contributed to the public health of a given community or special population.

Senator Hannon is current Chair of the New York State Senate Standing Committee on Health and the Chair of the Budget Subcommittee of the Republican Conference.

He is well respected, and regarded nationally as an expert in the health care industry.  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Senator Hannon as a key member to his Medicaid Redesign Team.  He serves in many capacities with the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) including the Task Force on Federal Health Reform Implementation, and Co-chair of the Project for Transforming Health Care Through Technology.  Hannon is a former Chair of the NCSL Health Committee comprised of legislative representatives from each state.  Additionally, the Senator is a member of the NCSL Health Forum where he represents New York in the national debate on health care and health care finance.

Sen. Hannon is the author of the New York State Health Care Reform Act (HCRA), legislation which improves all aspects of health care delivery and financing for all New Yorkers. Furthermore, the senator created landmark legislation with the Patient Health Information and Quality Improvement Act. Sen. Hannon continues to be committed to supporting significant legislation in the areas of long term care, health insurance, women’s health issues and organ donation.