Directs the commissioner of health to establish a schedule of fees for the use, maintenance and repair of air conditioners used by residents of adult homes

1 Co-sponsor

• Thomas P. Morahan

Title of bill

An act to amend the social services law, in relation to establishing a fee schedule for the use, maintenance and repair of air conditioners in adult homes

Summary of specific provisions

This bill amends §461-q of the Social Services Law to authorize and direct the Commissioner of Health to establish fees for the use, maintenance and repair of air conditioners used by individual residents except for those air conditioners paid for through the EnAble program. That program bars the operator from charging for the use, repair or maintenance of the units.

Justification

Most residents in adult homes have very meager allowances for personal items for their own comfort. In the summer, in very hot, stuffy rooms, these residents can often fall ill from the heat if they do not have air conditioning. Many take medications which exacerbate the effects of the heat, making the need for air conditioning a medical issue.

The State, with some extra incentives, has encouraged the adult homes to purchase air conditioners. But some of them have charged residents exorbitant fees for running the air conditioners even after they get them. This bill would direct the commissioner of health to set reasonable fees, taking into consideration the price of electricity, while preventing such outrageous fees making it impossible for residents to use the air conditioners.

Prior legislative history

2007-08: Senate Rules Committee/Passed Assembly

Fiscal implications

None to state or local government.

Effective date

Immediately.