Creates a residential care off-site demonstration project

BILL NUMBER:A6818A

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the residential care off-site facility demonstration project; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose

To establish a demonstration project allowing for the provision of physical, occupational and speech therapy by a residential health care facility at an off-site location.

Summary of specific provisions

Section one adds new §2821 to the Public Health Law to establish the "Residential care off-site facility demonstration project." 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.

Providers eligible to participate in the demonstration project must be issued a RHCF operating certificate, along with a certificate to provide outpatient services at its main location. The provider must also demonstrate that all physical, occupational, speech therapy and related education services to be provided at an off-site facility will meet safety standards as determined by state and local law.

Section two establishes an immediate effective date and expiration date of June 30, 2012.

Existing law

Existing law would require residential health care facilities to undergo a complete certificate of need process to operate an off-site facility.

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 partnership 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.

Prior legislative history

New Bill

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

Immediately