Governor's Program Bill for Advanced Home Health Aides

Earlier this week the Governor's Office submitted a program bill to amend the Nurse Practice Act to allow for a program to establish "advanced home health aides" who would perform certain advanced tasks under the supervision of a registered professional nurse.  In order for this to move forward public health and education law would have to be amended. 

Section 1 of the bill lists 12 areas that would be affected, including tasks such as administration of medication, provided by a home health aide with one year of experience and who has completed the requisite training and demonstrated competencies, and who is employed by a licensed or certified home care agency or hospice.

Section 4 requires the Commissioner of Health in consultation with the Commissioner of the State Education Department to convene a work group of stakeholders to provide guidance on the tasks which may be performed by the AHHA pursuant to amended education law. The work group would also provide guidance on the types of medications that could be administered, qualifications of the AHHA, training standards, and the level of supervision. It does include representatives from home care and hospice in the composition of the work group members.

LeadingAge NY has been following this issue and reporting on it to members. This has been mentioned during the MRT Workforce Flexibility and Change of Scope of Practice Work Group, the State Plan Amendment for the Community First Choice Option and most recently during the 30-day amendments to the Governor's 2013 budget. The final budget rejected this proposal.      

LeadingAge NY is reviewing the Governor's proposed bill and will keep members posted on developments. If you have comments or concerns on the proposed AHHA bill please contact me.

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