DOH Convenes Workgroup to Examine Need Methodologies and Innovative Models
As part of its Health Care Regulatory Modernization Initiative, the Department of Health (DOH) has established a workgroup on Need Methodologies and Innovative Models. LeadingAge NY is represented on the group and is seeking member input on the questions the group will be considering.
According to a background paper provided to the group:
- The objective of the Certificate of Need (CON) process and licensure of providers is to promote the delivery of high quality health care, and ensure that services are aligned with community need.
- DOH oversees the CON and licensure process for nursing homes, adult care facilities, assisted living residences, certified home health agencies (CHHAs), licensed home care service agencies (LHCSAs), and hospice providers, among others. These provider types will be the focus of the workgroup.
- CON methodologies and licensure standards for these provider types are outdated. DOH has a statutory responsibility to have an updated, streamlined process for these provider types that balances quality, demand, and overall cost.
- There is also a desire to incorporate innovative models of care to meet the needs of all communities, including rural communities.
- For the ALP program, DOH has not used a traditional CON process.
- The goal of this workgroup is to explore the possibility of new need methodologies and licensing policies, while incorporating the Olmstead Plan principles and the Health Across all Policies framework.
The background paper also provides relevant background and concludes with a series of questions for discussion. The next meeting of the workgroup, which will occur in the near future, will begin to focus on these questions. LeadingAge NY encourages members to review the paper and provide us with any comments, concerns, or questions to bring to the workgroup.
Contact: Dan Heim, dheim@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866