Bill > A10310

This bill requires residential health care facilities, which are places that provide long-term care and housing for individuals who need ongoing medical assistance, to establish and maintain written agreements with hospice programs that are licensed under Article 40 of the public health law. Hospice programs provide specialized care for individuals with terminal illnesses, focusing on comfort and quality of life. The purpose of these agreements is to guarantee that residents who are eligible for and choose to receive hospice services can access them. These agreements must outline how the facility and the hospice program will work together, including details on timely evaluations and referrals, the specific duties of staff from both entities, how care plans will be developed and symptoms managed, how medications will be handled, procedures for after-hours communication and emergencies, and how information will be documented and shared. The Department of Health will offer guidance and support to help facilities and hospice programs implement these requirements, and failure to comply will be considered a violation subject to penalties.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A10310