Pataki Signs Laws To Expand Healthcare

Governor George E. Pataki signed into law three measures that will continue to transition New York’s health care system by expanding home health care options for New Yorkers. Governor Pataki has made the aggressive expansion of home health care options a top priority as New York continues to transition into a modern 21st century health care system.

The first measure would authorize designated nursing homes to provide medical care to patients in their homes and the second measure makes permanent the Access to Home Program which provides financial assistance to homeowners and renters to adapt their homes or apartments to better meet the needs of persons with disabilities. The third initiative would create a comprehensive, at-home hospice program for children.

“We are committed to advancing initiatives to allow New Yorkers to receive the treatment and support they need in the most comfortable and loving environment possible,” Governor Pataki said. “Important reforms to the health care system I have advanced along with the Legislature are beginning to reshape the delivery of care in New York State. These new measures will advance those efforts by providing these much needed services to these individuals in their own homes.”

New York State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H. said, “Under the leadership of Governor Pataki, these measures help advance the delivery of health care in the community-based setting in a way that people can maintain a level of comfort, close to family and friends. The hospice initiative, in particular, builds on New York’s strong commitment to supporting programs that provided essential services to children and families.”

The first measure (S.8275-A) creates the Home-Based Primary Care for the Elderly Demonstration Project which authorizes up to three nursing homes statewide to participate and provide long-term care services to patients in their homes. Patients receiving services under this initiative will be cared for by physicians directly. This will help ensure continuity of care and access to high quality of care for patients who qualify for skilled nursing care and are 65 years of age or older.

The second measure (S.7847-A) the Access to Home Program will provide financial assistance to property owners and renters to make existing dwelling units accessible for low- and moderate income persons with disabilities. Adapting homes to meet the needs of those with disabilities will enable many New Yorkers to safely and comfortably continue to live in, or return to, their residences instead of residing in an institutional setting. Grants will be made to municipalities and eligible not-for-profit entities that have substantial experience in adapting or retrofitting homes for persons with disabilities. Adaptation work must meet the needs of those with physical disabilities and seniors with an age-related disability. Examples include: wheel chair ramps and lifts, handrails, easy-to-reach kitchen work and storage areas, lever handles on doors, roll-in showers with grab bars, etc.

In addition, a third measure signed into law (S.4927-A) establishes a pilot program for hospice and palliative care services for children with life-limiting illnesses. The programs will be operated by licensed and certified hospice programs in coordination with certified home health care agencies. These at-home hospice programs will provide care coordination, social work, counseling, expressive therapies, spiritual care, respite and bereavement services.