The Department of Health (DOH) and LeadingAge NY welcome Michael Chittenden, the new head of the Office of Aging and Long-Term Care’s (OALTC) Center for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).

LeadingAge NY looks forward to establishing a productive relationship with Mr. Chittenden on important HCBS issues, particularly the implementation of the HCBS Rule, which has been a significant state and national policy change for providers caring for older individuals and persons with disabilities. We look forward to working closely with the Department to address the many nuanced changes the federal rule brings to HCBS provider settings.

LeadingAge NY will also be sure to clarify where the Center lies within the larger OALTC organizational chart and share other new staff leading HCBS policy and operations.

The Department’s welcome letter follows:

Dear Colleagues,

I am delighted to announce another significant milestone for the DOH’s Office of Aging and Long Term Care—the establishment of the Center for Home and Community Based Services, to be led by Michael Chittenden, a champion for Olmstead advocacy and waiver support services. This strategic realignment of the Office of Aging and Long Term Care underscores the Health Department’s longstanding commitment to the delivery of person-centered, non-institutional care, enabling people to stay in their homes and communities, and to be able to live as independently as possible, no matter the level of support necessary to make that happen. 

The Department’s new Center will focus on building and maintaining partnerships and programs that serve a variety of targeted population groups, such as people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. The Center will develop a vision that helps keep New Yorkers safe and out of other systems, settings, and hospitals, while also positioning us prominently within the broader health continuum and Medicaid Waiver programs, pairing policy leadership with the execution of surveillance, technical assistance, and training activities on behalf of the Department of Health. 

At the core of this realignment is a recognition of the rapidly changing landscape of home and community based services and a dedication to collaboration with officials, advocates, and consumers alike. The Center will be tasked with improving coordination for long term supports and services, identifying barriers and implementing new mechanisms to monitor and evaluate care quality and access. By announcing this new Center now, we hope to strengthen the Office of Aging and Long Term Care’s advancing mission and the widespread efforts driven by the State’s Master Plan for Aging.

Michael is eager to work in partnership with colleagues inside the Health Department, with partners in corresponding State agencies, and with stakeholders across the industry. As we embark on this exciting journey together, I invite you to welcome Michael. 

Anticipate more announcements in the coming weeks as we finalize new, key leadership roles within the Office of Aging and Long Term Care. Your invaluable support and engagement are integral to our shared objective—addressing the diverse health and long-term care needs of all New Yorkers while promoting aging in place with dignity and independence. 

Best regards,

Adam Herbst, Deputy Commissioner

Contact: Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871