What's happening
This bill requires the State Office for the Aging to include reports on older adults who are caregivers for minors and on substance use disorders among older adults in its annual reports.
Why it matters
Shines light on a growing, often overlooked population. By requiring detailed reporting on older adults who serve as primary caregivers or guardians for minors, the bill acknowledges a demographic that faces unique challenges, often with less visibility and support than younger caregivers.
Pushes for better-informed policy and resource allocation. The requirement for analysis of available services and recommendations for support means that policymakers will get data-driven insights to guide funding and programming for both older caregivers and those dealing with substance use disorders.
Addresses substance use disorders among older adults. Mandating a focused report on the prevalence and needs related to substance use disorders in older adults highlights an issue that's frequently underreported or misunderstood, encouraging the development of targeted interventions for this group.
Encourages inter-agency coordination and support improvements. By analyzing not just current services but also gaps and needs, the bill is likely to catalyze collaboration across state agencies, potentially leading to more comprehensive and accessible support systems for older New Yorkers facing these challenges.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Track Older Caregivers, Substance Use
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
3 Co-sponsors
History
- Substituted by A4948
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.744
- Referred to aging
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.
Track Senior Caregivers, Substance Abuse
Signed by Governor · Sponsor Harry B. Bronson
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5489
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
May 2, 2019
Introduced by Sens. MAY, SERINO -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Aging
AN ACT to amend the elder law, in relation to requiring the state office for the aging to include reports on older adults who are primary caregivers or guardians of minors and on substance use disorders among older adults in such office's annual reports to the governor and legislature
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 3 of section 213 of the elder law is amended by adding two new paragraphs (l) and (m) to read as follows:
(l) A report on the number of older adults who are primary caregivers or guardians of minors including prevalence by age range, circumstances that lead to older adults becoming primary caregivers or guardians to minors, an analysis of what services are available through the office and other state agencies to assist these older adult primary caregivers and guardians, and recommendations regarding support for older adults who are primary caregivers or guardians for minor children.
(m) A report on substance use disorders among older adults including prevalence of substance use disorders, what programs and services are available from or in conjunction with the office, an analysis of what services are needed to assist older adults dealing with substance use disorders, and recommendations regarding how the office can assist and participate in efforts to assist older adults dealing with substance use disorders.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD09695-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the elder law, in relation to requir- ing the state office for the aging to include reports on older adults who are primary caregivers or guardians of minors and on substance use disorders among older adults in such office's annual reports to the governor and legislature
Purpose
To ensure that two additional areas of importance to the State's older adult population are being considered by the Office for the Aging.
Summary of provisions
Section one amends subdivision 3 of section 213 of the elder law to include two more paragraphs, adding two reporting provisions to the requirements for the Office for the Aging annual report:
(1) The number of older adults who are primary caregivers or guardians for minors, including analyses of circumstances that lead to this arrangement, services available for older adults in these circumstances, and recommendations;
(2) An analysis of substance use disorders among older adults including prevalence, available programs and services, and recommendations.
Justification
The Office for the Aging's annual report covers many areas of interest to older adults and those who create legislation to help them. The two additional reporting areas added by this legislation are gaining promi- nence, but more attention is needed to ensure that adequate and appro- priate programs and services can be made available.
Legislative history
2017-18: S.6079 REF TO AGING/A.6736 Passed Assembly
Fiscal implications
None
Effective date
Immediately
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.