Healthcare (Long-Term Care)

in committee · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 5229: Provides for rates for residential health care facilities

This bill updates how New York state calculates payment rates for residential health care facilities (like nursing homes) that provide long-term care. It requires the state to adjust rates annually based on current operating costs, with mandatory updates by April 2026 and every five years after, using the most recent cost data. Certain specialized facilities (such as those for children, ventilator-dependent patients, or behavioral health) retain historical rates adjusted for inflation, while others transition to the new cost-based system over a minimum four-year period. The bill also mandates a workgroup of experts to advise on rate-setting methodology and includes provisions for quality improvement funding.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates annual rate adjustments for nursing homes based on operating costs, ensuring facilities receive adequate funding to maintain services and prevent underfunding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 42: Establishes a pilot program authorizing certain nurse aides to administer medication in residential health care facilities in St. Lawrence county

This bill creates a pilot program in St. Lawrence County allowing certified nursing home medication aides to administer routine medications in residential health care facilities under specific conditions. It permits aides to give prefilled or easy-to-administer medications (excluding most injections, except for diabetes care, heparin, or epinephrine), but only when directly supervised by a registered nurse. Key requirements include mandatory training, experience (at least one year), competency assessments, and documentation of all medication administration. The program strictly prohibits aides from assessing patient needs, performing tasks outside their scope, or administering medications without a registered nurse’s assignment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands medication administration scope for certified aides under RN supervision in residential care, improving patient access to routine medication management without restrictions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Long-Term Care

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passed · New York · Senate May 19, 2026

S 4275: Relates to the closure of nursing homes

S 4275 establishes new requirements for nursing home operators intending to close a facility, directly affecting residents, their families, and local communities. Operators must notify the Department of Health at least 90 days in advance and submit a detailed closure plan for approval, outlining how residents will be notified, assessed, and transferred to new settings. The bill prohibits operators from closing until all residents are relocated, increasing fees, or accepting new residents without disclosure during the closure process. Local officials can hold meetings and make recommendations to the Commissioner regarding the closure plan, which must be publicly available. Non-compliance with these provisions can result in penalties.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires nursing home operators to submit relocation plans and prohibits closure until residents are transferred, protecting patient continuity of care during facility closures.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 893: Relates to the use of psychotropic medications in nursing homes and adult care facilities

Relates to the use of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes; imposes limits as to time and documentation; requires informed consent under certain circumstances.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires informed consent and limits antipsychotic use in nursing homes, protecting patient rights and safety in mental health care settings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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failed · New York · Assembly May 19, 2026

A 3727: Relates to access to nursing home residents by essential caregivers

This bill requires nursing homes to allow essential caregivers access to residents during visitation restrictions imposed by authorities. It defines "essential caregivers" as individuals designated by residents (or their representatives if residents cannot decide) to provide daily living assistance or emotional support. Nursing homes must permit at least one essential caregiver daily, enforce safety protocols, and provide written warnings before denying access. Residents and caregivers can appeal denied access to the state department, which must investigate within 48 hours and may impose fines for violations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires nursing homes to permit essential caregiver access, improving patient care continuity and protecting resident rights during visitation restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4744: Relates to insurance coverage for medical marijuana

This bill clarifies that medical marijuana, when dispensed under New York's medical marijuana program, must be treated as a "prescription drug" for coverage purposes under specific state programs, including Medicaid (title eleven of social services law), workers' compensation, and elder care programs. It requires these state-run programs to cover medical marijuana but explicitly states it does not mandate coverage by private insurers or health plans. The bill also adds a certification process for dispensaries to be recognized as medical assistance providers under state law. It applies to state programs only, not private insurance, and does not create new coverage requirements beyond the specified state-run systems.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires state programs (Medicaid, workers' comp) to cover medical marijuana as prescription drug, expanding patient access to prescribed treatment under public healthcare coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4474: Permits certain nurses to perform medication related tasks provided by a certified medication aide

This bill (A 4474) allows certified medication aides to administer certain routine medications under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) in New York nursing homes. It permits tasks like giving pre-filled oral medications but prohibits injections (except for insulin, diabetes care, epinephrine, or naloxone) and central line maintenance. Certified medication aides must meet strict qualifications (training, experience, competency tests) and can only perform tasks assigned by an RN, who retains full oversight and documentation responsibility. The law directly affects nursing home staff (certified medication aides and RNs) and residents receiving medication care in licensed facilities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePermits certified medication aides to administer routine medications under RN supervision, improving medication access and efficiency in nursing homes without restricting patient care.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Long-Term Care

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 255: Relates to access to nursing home residents by essential caregivers

This bill requires nursing homes to provide daily in-person access to designated essential caregivers during visitation restrictions (e.g., public health emergencies). Essential caregivers - defined as individuals designated by residents (or their representatives if residents cannot decide) to assist with daily needs or emotional support - must be allowed access unless they violate safety protocols. Nursing homes must issue written warnings for protocol violations before denying access and provide a 24-hour written explanation for denials, including appeal options. An appeals process mandates the health department to investigate denials within 48 hours and may impose fines up to $5,000 for noncompliance. The law takes effect immediately.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnsures nursing home residents' access to essential caregivers during health emergencies, improving patient access and rights in healthcare facilities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1864: Enacts the "Nurse of Tomorrow Act" to provide for grants to certain hospitals, schools and other entities for nurse recruitment, education and retention

Enacts the "Nurse of Tomorrow Act" to provide for grants from the state commissioner of education to public and not-for-profit hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools and other entities for nurse recruitment, education and retention costs and activities as described herein.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state grants for nurse recruitment/retention programs, increasing public service funding under state budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides state grants for nurse recruitment/education/retention, directly supporting healthcare workforce development and access to medical services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Long-Term Care

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 547: Authorizes one or more demonstration projects that permit a managed long-term care plan to enroll persons that are permanently placed in a nursing home in rural areas

Authorizes one or more demonstration projects that permit a managed long-term care plan to enroll persons that are permanently placed in a nursing home and to manage the nursing home benefit in one or more rural areas.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes demonstration projects for managed long-term care enrollment in rural nursing homes, expanding access to managed care services for residents in underserved areas.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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