Bill > S04851

This bill expands the definition of who can serve as a personal assistant in consumer directed personal assistance programs, which are services that allow individuals with disabilities or medical needs to have more control over their care. Currently, these programs have restrictions on who can be a personal assistant. The bill specifically allows an eligible individual's attorney-in-fact (someone legally authorized to make decisions on their behalf), health care proxy (a person designated to make medical decisions), or legal guardian to now qualify as a personal assistant. The bill maintains existing safeguards that require the program to determine that services provided by such individuals are consistent with the individual's care plan and do not exceed the cost of services from a non-relative personal assistant. The legislation also clarifies that a parent of a minor or a spouse cannot serve as a personal assistant. Additionally, the bill directs the commissioner of health to seek additional federal funding to support the consumer directed personal assistance program and instructs that the changes will take effect immediately upon passage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4851