New York Governor Announces Support for Advanced Aide Legislation
As the New York legislative season begins, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) reiterated his support for an advanced home health aide role.
Included in his state of the state agenda, announced January 13, is a recommendation that the legislature pass a bill to amend the Nurse Practice Act to allow home health aides with advanced training and demonstration of their competency to administer medication and provide additional services when assigned by a nurse.
In the budget briefing book (pdf), the administration writes, “Performed under supervision by a registered nurse, advanced home health aides will be able to assist patients and allow them to live with dignity in their homes and provide support to family caregivers who are responsible for caring for their loved ones.”
“We applaud Governor Cuomo’s announcement,” said PHI New York Policy Director Carol Rodat. “The Advanced Aide role offers positive benefits for thousands of New Yorkers: it would relieve families of the burden of having to take time off to administer routine medications to loved ones, while at the same time offering career paths for home care aides, helping to retain needed workers.”
The Advanced Aide legislation is supported by a wide range of New York stakeholders, including AARP, 1199SEIU, the Alzhiemer’s Association, and the Assisted Living Federation of America. This broad coalition represents consumers, workers, and providers, all of whom believe that families across the state would be better served if well-trained aides could administer medications, as they can in 16 other states.
Currently, despite having a home health aide to care for a frail relative, thousands of New Yorkers must either hire a nurse or take time off from work to assist with simple tasks such as administering eye drops after a cataract operation.
“For a state dedicated to helping people remain at home in their communities, this legislation is essential,” Rodat said.
— by PHI New York
