COMMENTARY: New York Should Enact Advanced Aide Legislation
New York should enact legislation that would create an advanced aide position for home health aides, argues PHI New York Policy Director Carol Rodat in a May 29 Times Union commentary (subscription required).
By expanding the range of care tasks that home health aides are legally allowed to perform, an advanced aide position would allow more elders and people with disabilities to choose to live in their preferred home and community-based settings, Rodat writes.
Advanced aides would also give consumers’ family members greater peace of mind that their loved ones are getting the care they need.
In addition, the establishment of an advanced aide position “would help keep experienced aides in the field” by creating a new rung on their career ladders, Rodat writes.
The legislation is being supported by a coalition of 20 New York State organizations representing elders and people with disabilities, their family members, nurses, and home care providers.
On May 12, the coalition sent a letter to top New York lawmakers, urging them to enact the advanced aide bill.
Supporters of the bill will gather at the state capitol in Albany on June 1 for a Lobby Day event.
— by Matthew Ozga
