5 May 2021: More Reform Coming for NY Nursing Homes

NY Lawmakers Mandate Minimum Staffing For Nursing Homes, Hospitals

This report captures legislative activity that occurred on 4 May 2021. Here's a short summary how New York's legislature is attempting to impose reform on New York nursing homes:

The New York State legislature on Tuesday approved measures that would require hospitals and nursing homes meet minimum staffing levels of nurses and other health care workers....

The state Health Commissioner would establish minimum staffing levels for nursing homes, and would impose civil penalties if the homes fail to meet the minimum standards. Each resident would receive an average of three and half hours of care a day from, with at least one hour from registered or licensed practical nurses, and two hours from certified nursing assistants. The new rules would take effect in January.

The measure comes after a provision in the state budget that requires nursing homes to spend 70% of their revenue on direct patient care, and 40% on direct care providers.

As drafted, the legislation will increase the cost of nursing home care in New York. It will be interesting to see how consumers respond.