PHHPC update

On Jan. 24 the Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) Establishment and Project Review Committee met to discuss amending Part 763 and 766 of Title 10 NYCRR to Certified Home Health Agency (CHHA) and Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA) requirements and to act on pending CHHA applications. As a result of the meeting:

- The proposed rule change, which was adopted, states that CHHAs shall provide at least one of the services identified in section 763.3 subdivision b and allows for other services to be provided directly or by contract arrangements.  It also requires the plan of care to address the need for palliative care, and for the plan of care to be reviewed as frequently as required by the changing conditions of the patient but at least every 60 days. Finally, the rule eliminates the need for a physician to serve on the LHCSA’s quality improvement committee.

- Four CHHA applications were approved to go forward to the next full PHHPC meeting.  The applications were for the purchase of either county-based CHHAs or non-county CHHAs and a Long Term Home Health Care Program (LTHHCP).

- Discussion occurred on the number of LHCSAs that were approved in 2012 (over 100), the impact these numerous LHCSAs have on the market, and whether DOH will be able to perform their surveillance requirements.

Contact: Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871