The New York State Athletic Commission (“NYSAC”) has proposed regulations that would require promoters of mixed martial arts (“MMA”) and other similar events in the state to provide at least $1 million in medical, surgical, and hospital care insurance for the treatment of any life-threatening brain injury sustained in a program operated by the promoter. This appears to be the most stringent requirement of any state.
In addition, the NYSAC is proposing that promoters of MMA events, and other combative sports and professional wrestling events, also would have to provide the following insurance:
- Coverage for medical, surgical, and hospital care with a minimum limit of $50,000 for injuries sustained while participating in any program in the state (a minimum of $10,000 for professional wrestling); and
- Coverage for payment of a death benefit of $50,000 payable to the estate of the participant for death occasioned by injuries received during the course of a program in the state.
The accident insurance policies would have to provide coverage “for all medically necessary care and treatment for covered injuries” on an “expense incurred basis.”
The NYSAC is soliciting comments until August 27, 2016. The requirements could take effect as early as September.
Steven A. Meyerowitz
Steven A. Meyerowitz, a Harvard Law School graduate, is the founder and president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. He may be contacted at [email protected].