BILL NUMBER: S9786

SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend chapter 371 of the laws of 2009 amending the public
health law relating to the residential care off-site facility demon-
stration project, in relation to extending the effectiveness thereof

 
PURPOSE:

To extend the demonstration project that allows for the provision of
physical, occupational and speech therapy by a residential health care
facility at an off-site location until June 2027.

 
SUMMARY:

This bill extends the residential care off-site facility demonstration
project until June 2027.

 
EXISTING LAW:
              

The "Residential care offsite facility demonstration project" was first
enacted in 2009. Under the demonstration project, the Department of
Health would approve up to three residential health care facilities to
provide physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as related
educational services, at an off-site facility as a means to assess
reimbursement methodologies and delivery methods related to such
services.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Demonstration programs allow the State to test innovative approaches to
care delivery that would often be impossible or subject to burdensome
administrative requirements. In this case, provision of physical therapy
and other services outside of a nursing home will broaden the range of
care and treatment residents are able to access.  For example, a part-
nership between the RHCF and a non-profit health club or recreation
facility would allow physical therapists to use equipment such as weight
machines and Swimming pools. This would allow the therapists to use
methods that may speed recovery and improve the quality of life for
residents who would otherwise not have the opportunity to access to such
comprehensive care. Speedier recoveries and maintenance of a generally
higher level of health among nursing home residents may in turn save the
State money since an overwhelming proportion of long term care in that '
setting is government financed.

The success of this program over the past few years has justified that
it be extended until June 2027.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

Chapter 185 of 2021

Chapter 101 of 2018

Chapter 32 of 2015

Chapter 159 of 2015
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.