Griffo and Buttenschon statement on updated nursing home visitation guidance

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome, and Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-I-Marcy, released the following statement today regarding the decision by the state Department of Health to implement guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid that allows for expanded visitation at nursing homes: 

“We commend the Department of Health for adopting new federal guidance that permits visitation for all residents at all times at nursing homes in New York. It is our hope and expectation that facilities throughout the state will cooperate and implement this policy to allow for much-needed personal interaction and care for residents and families to see their loved ones in a safe setting. Additionally, we are urging the governor and Department of Health to expedite the release of $375 million for financially distressed hospitals and nursing homes. This funding, which comes from the Distressed Provider Assistance Account that was included in the budget, will ensure that current nursing home residents are not forced to go without appropriate services and individual care.” 

The updated guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services can be found here. 

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