What's happening
This bill requires a state study on the adequacy of health networks and gerontologic services for seniors in New York.
Why it matters
Addresses rural and underserved areas. By requiring a study that specifically looks for underserved or unserved regions and at-risk senior populations, the bill could highlight and help remedy regional disparities in senior health care access.
Focuses on practical barriers to care. The study will examine transportation issues and obstacles to using telehealth, both of which are common and significant barriers for seniors, especially in rural or remote communities.
Considers workforce and incentive strategies. By reviewing incentive programs in New York and other states (including scholarship and shortage specialty programs), the bill could lead to policies that attract more geriatric specialists and practitioners to serve aging populations.
Targets chronic disease management and prevention. The bill emphasizes the need to analyze prevalent chronic diseases among seniors and the adequacy of current education, prevention, and support services, potentially leading to more targeted and effective health interventions.
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Who cares
State health commissioner and Charles D. Cook Office of Rural Health
They would conduct a statewide study of senior health care access and deliver recommendations to the governor and legislative leaders by October 1, 2020.
Seniors in underserved or unserved areas and at-risk senior populations
The study would examine gaps in care, transportation barriers, telehealth access and chronic conditions requiring additional support.
Physicians and nurse practitioners
The study would consider incentives to encourage gerontology practice and services for older adults, including targeted scholarship supports and shortage-specialty designation.
Telehealth and telemedicine providers
The study would examine seniors’ use of these services and barriers to accessing them.
Headline styles
Study Senior Health Services
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to health
- Referred to health
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Study Senior Health Networks
In Assembly Committee · Health · Sponsor Sandy Galef
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1361
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 14, 2019
Introduced by Sen. SERINO -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Health
AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to a study to analyze the adequacy of health networks and the delivery of gerontologic services and senior health care in New York state
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The public health law is amended by adding a new section 2703 to read as follows:
§ 2703. Delivery of gerontologic services and senior health care. The commissioner, in conjunction with the Charles D. Cook Office of Rural Health, shall conduct a study to analyze the adequacy of health networks and the delivery of gerontologic services and senior health care in this state. The study shall contain, but not be limited to, evaluations of access to care and specialized practitioners in all areas of the state with a focus on identifying underserved or unserved areas as well as at-risk senior populations. The study shall consider, among other things, transportation concerns related to accessing care, the utilization of telehealth and telemedicine in senior populations and any impediments thereto, the availability of specialized practitioners, as well as highly prevalent chronic diseases or conditions requiring additional education, prevention, and service supports. The study shall also consider incentive options used in New York state, other states, and at the federal level to encourage physicians and nurse practitioners to practice in gerontology or focus on services for the elderly including, but not limited to, the incorporation of targeted gerontology supports into the primary care practitioner scholarship program as articulated by section nine hundred four of this chapter, as a qualifying shortage specialty as defined in section two thousand eight hundred seven-m of this chapter, or any other public health programming deemed appropriate. The report shall contain recommendations to address the specified
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07011-01-9
S. 1361 2
considerations in addition to other relevant concerns related to health care delivery and senior populations. The commissioner shall deliver the report to the governor, the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly no later than October first, two thousand twenty.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to a study to analyze the adequacy of health networks and the delivery of gerontologic services and senior health care in New York state
Purpose
To study the adequacy of health networks and the delivery of gerontolog- ic services and senior health care in New York State.
Summary of provisions
Section 1: Directs the Commissioner of Health, in conjunction with the Charles D. Cook Office of Rural Health, to study to analyze the adequacy of health networks and the delivery of gerontologic services and senior health care in the state. The study would focus on access to care and specialized practitioners, particularly in underserved or unserved areas and at-risk senior populations, as well as transportation concerns, the utilization of telehealth and telemedicine, highly prevalent chronic conditions requiring additional education, prevention and service supports. The study would also consider incentive options to encourage physicians and nurse practitioners to focus on serving senior popu- lations. Such report would be due by October 1, 2020.
Section 2: Provides the effective date.
Justification
In recent history, physician shortages have been a significant concern in many areas of our state, particularly rural areas. That said, the growing senior population has its own unique concerns and needs with respect to access to medical care and specialties that amplify this deficit. As we continue to emphasize aging in place initiatives, as well as preventative care, it is important that we ensure that there are an adequate number of healthcare professionals to service our aging popu- lation.
New York boasts the fourth-oldest population in the United States, and that number is growing rapidly. It is expected that by 2025, there will be more than 50 counties in the state with at least a quarter of their population over 60. The challenges faced by the state's aging population can vary greatly from one location to the next, and New York will need to deploy an array of strategies to meet the specific needs of different groups, such as ensuring reliable transportation services or expanding access to telehealth and telemedicine. As this greying of New York State continues, it is important that we assess these needs and create vital healthcare networks now, so they can be utilized later. This legislation will provide for that very assessment. It requires that the Commissioner of Health, in conjunction with the Office of Rural Health, conduct a study to examine the needs across aging populations in the state, and determine if there are gaps in qualified practitioners and specialists, accessible care, and supplemental supports.
As we work to make New York State a place people want to live and retire, we cannot fall behind in addressing the needs of our aging neighbors. It is important that we begin a comprehensive examination of our state's healthcare options for its seniors so that we have a reli- able and adequate health network as this population grows.
Legislative history
2018: S.8542 Advanced to Third Reading
Fiscal implications
Minimal.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.