LeadingAge NY ACF/AL Members Advocate in Albany

Adult Care Facility (ACF) and Assisted Living (AL) members came to Albany on Tues., April 21 to discuss their regulatory and legislative priorities with key lawmakers and staff. Members met with the Department of Health (DOH) to specifically address enhancing the role of the nurse in ACFs; the upcoming transition of the ALP population into managed long term care, and related needed reforms including an ALP rate update and clarifications regarding durable medical equipment in the ALP. Participants also took the opportunity to thank DOH for all of the progress that has been made on LeadingAge NY member priorities.

Members also met with the chairs of the Senate and Assembly Health Committees; the chairs of the Senate and Assembly Veterans Affairs Committees; central staff for the aging, health and finance committees; and their representatives to discuss the need for an increase in Supplemental Security Income Congregate Level 3 benefits in next year’s budget; EQUAL funding clarifications; the ALP rate update; and the backlog of applications for Aid and Attendance benefits for veterans. Participants also expressed appreciation for the restoration of cuts in the budget process, and the delay of the electronic prescribing mandate. 

LeadingAge NY would like to thank all of the ACF/AL members who came to Albany to meet with lawmakers and staff to discuss these vital issues, and encourage all members to consider participating next year. LeadingAge NY would also like to recognize Hinman Straub, the association's legislative counsel for their guidance and expertise. LeadingAge NY and Hinman Straub will be following up with DOH and the Legislature, and will report back any new developments. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the ACF/AL Advocacy Day or would like copies of the materials used on Advocacy Day, please let us know.

Contact: Alyssa Lovelace, alovelace@leadingageny.org, or Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383