Lawmakers Remain in Albany, Advocacy Still Needed on Key Issues

Lawmakers Remain in Albany, Advocacy Still Needed on Key Issues
Lawmakers are still in Albany and are expected to work over the weekend and into next week. After weeks of negotiating rent regulations, lawmakers and Governor Cuomo passed a five-day extender of New York City’s rent regulations last night, which includes a number of safeguards for tenants. The rent regulations expired on Monday after legislators failed to reach agreement. Other end of session priorities for the Legislature includes 421a real estate tax credits and mayoral control of city schools. Governor Cuomo’s remaining priorities consist of raising the age of criminality, as well as raising minimum wage. Agreement has been reached on legislation protecting workers in nail salons, legislation combatting sexual violence on college campuses, known as “Enough is Enough,” as well legislation on Port Authority reform.

With lawmakers in town for a few extra days, we have a little more time to make sure that LeadingAge NY's priorities are addressed. Please take a few minutes out of your day to connect with your lawmakers on the advocacy opportunities listed below:

Oppose legislation that would hinder supportive housing growth in NYC: This legislation, A.2553-A (Benedetto)-S. 4542-A (Klein), would give unprecedented power to local Community Boards to block important community facilities and residences. The bill would potentially harm constituents by making it nearly impossible to develop supportive senior housing, assisted living and a huge range of other important community assets in New York City. This bill already passed in the Senate and is in Assembly Rules. Please email your Assembly members now, urging them to oppose this legislation.
Increase the SSI and PNA rates for low-income seniors in ACFs: This legislation is part of an ongoing effort to get an increase in the State portion of the SSI rate for ACFs, along with a built in future cost of living adjustment to prevent the rate from getting so far away from the cost of providing care. The bill remains in the Assembly Ways & Means and Senate Finance Committees. Please email your lawmakers now, urging them to pass A.7393-A (Brindisi)-S.5151 (Little).

The following bills have passed both houses and await action from the Governor:

Limit Cuts to Certified Home Health Agencies: This legislation amends certified home health agency episodic payment system rebasing language. LeadingAge NY, the Home Care Association of New York State and the NYS Association of Health Care Providers issued this memo of support, last week, urging lawmakers to pass A.8171 (Gottfried)-S.5878 (Hannon).
Good standing: This legislation would provide further opportunities for streamlining Adult Care Facility (ACF)/Assisted Living applications. Two years ago, legislation was passed and approved by the Governor that would provide a streamlined application process for already established ACF/AL providers that were applying to establish or convert another facility of the same licensure category. The applicant must be in good standing to qualify for the streamlined process. Unfortunately, the current law is being interpreted very narrowly and thus the opportunity is very limited. This bill would give not-for-profit parent organizations with one or more sites the opportunity to take advantage of the process, as well.
EQUAL: This legislation amends current EQUAL language to enable the expenditure of funds retrospectively, within the fiscal year. This bill resolves an issue in the recently enacted budget, which disallowed EQUAL funds to be used for expenses incurred prior to the release of the application and funding. The bill would resolve the issue so that, consistent with past practice, EQUAL funds can be used for expenses incurred within the fiscal year, even if they are retrospective, as long as they are consistent with the EQUAL program objectives and approved by the organization's resident council.
TBI/NHTD waiver delay: As a result of recent legislation, the Department of Health has postponed the transition of consumers receiving Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) waiver services into managed care until Jan. 1, 2017, and establish a work group that will allow stakeholders to have input in the continuity of care provisions; rates; and workforce requirements necessary to ensure that consumers are transitioned smoothly into managed care.
Hospice isolated patient: This legislation would allow an attending physician to elect hospice care for the “isolated patient.” Hospice care provides medical, spiritual and emotional care to individuals with life-threatening illnesses with a prognosis of six months or less to live. Currently, under the Family Health Care Decisions Act, “isolated patients,” typically nursing home residents, who lack capacity and are without a surrogate, go without access to their hospice benefit.
Collaborative Drug Therapy Management: This legislation would permit pharmacists that practice in certain settings to engage in collaborative management of drug therapy with physicians. This bill creates an additional layer of quality assurance and professional review for the medication regimens that are so critical to the quality of life for many seniors.

NYSNA Reaches Deal with Hospitals
The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) tentatively agreed to a new four-year contract with the New York Hospital Alliance. The deal will give nurses a 12.5 percent raise over four years. The nurses insisted they would go on strike if a nurse staffing ratio was not implemented. Instead, the Alliance agreed to hire 330 additional nurses by July 1, 2016. LeadingAge NY is opposed to nurse staffing ratio legislation, known as the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act. The bill has not moved in either the Senate or Assembly. Read more here.

Housing Members Meet with HUD, PRAC Survey Deadline Approaching
Members of LeadingAge NY’s Housing Cabinet met with officials of the HUD Multi-Family division last week to discuss the Department’s reorganization and ongoing concerns about New York’s stock of aging 202 properties. A major reorganization is underway that will eliminate many of the regional offices, such as the one in Buffalo, and merge most functions into the regional centers, such as the one in New York City.

The Section 202 Program has funded hundreds of rental buildings for elders in New York since its creation in 1959. Many of these buildings now have significant capital needs. In a time of declining resources, providers frequently struggle to make capital improvements from modest reserve accounts.

LeadingAge NY members are participating in a national survey of 202 Project Rental Assistance Contracts to quantify ongoing capital needs of these aging buildings, which provide a critical source of affordable housing for low income seniors. The deadline for the survey, which can be accessed here, is Tues., June 30.

Medicaid Inspector General Confirmed
The State Senate voted to confirm Dennis Rosen as the State's Medicaid Inspector General, on Monday. Rosen was previously chairman of the State Liquor Authority. James Cox held the position between 2011 and 2014.

Support Your PAC
The LeadingAge NY Political Action Committee (PAC) makes financial contributions to the election campaigns of the legislative leaders, committee chairs and individual legislators who have shown a strong commitment to continuing care. Your donation builds and maintains political connections by funding attendance at political events. Our success depends on members’ contributions. The more money we have, the more we can donate to the campaigns of and attend fundraisers for elected officials who support our political agenda. Contributors at the $1,000 level will receive exclusive rewards at upcoming events and in marketing materials. Learn more about the PAC or make your donation by visiting the LeadingAge NY PAC website.

Contact: Alyssa Lovelace, alovelace@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8844