Bill > A00464

This bill establishes a new Medicaid program that allows family members of medically fragile children to become certified as "complex care assistants" and provide private duty nursing services. The program requires family members to complete specialized training and pass an in-person examination to demonstrate their competence in caring for their medically fragile child, including performing activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Under this program, the private duty nursing agency will cover the certification costs for the family member, who can then be reimbursed for up to 50 hours of care per week at a rate comparable to current private duty nursing services, with at least 65% of the reimbursement going directly to the complex care assistant. The program includes provisions for regular nurse supervision, electronic visit verification, and requires the Department of Health to submit biennial reports analyzing the program's impact, including metrics like hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and hours of care provided. The goal is to provide an alternative care option for Medicaid enrollees with medically fragile children by allowing trained family members to serve as certified care providers.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A464