Bill > A07284

This bill amends the education law to expand the description of services that are not prohibited for direct support staff working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Specifically, the bill allows direct support staff in non-facility based programs to perform certain tasks under specific conditions, such as being instructed by the service recipient, family, or household member and following an authorized practitioner's care plan. The registered professional nurse plays a critical role in determining which tasks can be performed, considering factors like task complexity, staff skills, and the service recipient's health needs. The bill includes important safeguards, such as requiring background checks, mandating specific training, prohibiting staff from representing themselves as licensed nurses, and preventing staff from performing tasks outside a licensed practical nurse's scope of practice. Staff providing specialized care like medication administration or tube feeding must be separately certified and recertified annually. The bill will take effect 18 months after becoming law and will expire on July 1, 2030, providing a structured approach to expanding supportive care options for individuals with developmental disabilities while maintaining strict professional standards and patient safety.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7284