Bill > S04462

This bill establishes a comprehensive program allowing family members of Medicaid-enrolled medically fragile children to become certified "complex care assistants" who can provide private duty nursing services. Under this program, a family member can become certified by completing training and passing an in-person examination that tests their ability to perform daily living activities and care tasks. The private duty nursing agency will cover the certification costs, and the complex care assistant can be reimbursed for up to 50 hours per week of care, with at least 65% of the agency's reimbursement passed directly to the assistant. The program requires registered nurse supervision, regular plan of care recertification, and electronic visit verification. The Department of Health must submit biennial reports tracking key metrics like hospitalizations, nursing hours, and services provided. To implement the program, the department must seek federal Medicaid approval and develop an assessment tool to identify eligible enrollees. The goal is to provide a structured pathway for family members to become professionally recognized and compensated caregivers for medically fragile children, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving personalized care.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4462