EQUAL Applications for ACF and Assisted Living Funding Due Next Week!

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced the availability of funding under the Enhancing the Quality of Adult Living (EQUAL) Program for the 2016-17 fiscal year. Operators of adult homes and enriched housing programs who provide services to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income and/or Safety Net benefits are eligible to apply. The EQUAL program is intended to enhance resident quality of care and quality of life, and payments will be made for the purpose of providing quality care and services to eligible residents to better meet their needs and improve the physical environment of a facility. The EQUAL application must be submitted on the Health Commerce System (HCS) by 5 p.m. on Fri., June 10, 2016. Paper copies and late submissions will not be accepted.

Applicants must be up to date in their required reports in order for their application to be considered. It should be noted that DOH is now requiring that facilities submit documentation that the residents approve of the EQUAL project. Previously, such documentation needed only to be kept on file. Members are encouraged to review the Dear Administrator Letter, certification page, conditions of participation and application carefully to ensure you meet all necessary requirements.

Questions regarding the EQUAL Program should be directed to DOH’s Dorothy Persico or Nancy Nowakowski at 518-408-1133, or by email at equal@health.ny.gov.

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828