Member Input Needed on New Proposal to Enhance the Role of the Nurse in ACF and AL Settings

A long-standing priority for the LeadingAge New York Adult Care Facility (ACF) and assisted living membership has been to enhance the role of the nurse in those settings. Currently, only nurses in the Enhanced Assisted Living Residence (EALR) can routinely perform nursing tasks.  While there are some minor exceptions granted through equivalencies, nurses are prohibited from providing most nursing tasks in the ACF, Assisted Living Program (ALP), Assisted Living Residence (ALR) and Special Needs Assisted Living Residence (SNALR).

Several years ago, the LeadingAge NY ACF/Assisted Living Cabinet developed a proposal to allow for the option of having nurses in those settings perform tasks that a home health aide can do in the community. We saw the proposal as a first step in enhancing the role of the nurse, and built in choice in recognition of the diverse circumstances of facilities across the State.

In light of the many changes that have taken place in health care and long term care over the last few years, the ACF/AL Cabinet decided it was time to review that proposal and update it to reflect the priorities and needs of the present and future ACF/assisted living provider.  The work of this task force is ongoing, but we felt it important to share with the how the group thinks the proposal should be updated, and obtain feedback from the LeadingAge New York membership.  Click here for a brief description of our new direction and let us know what you think. Your input is critical as we update this proposal.

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