Bill > A10310

This bill requires residential health care facilities, which are places like nursing homes or assisted living facilities, to have written agreements with hospice programs licensed under Article 40 of the Public Health Law. These agreements are intended to guarantee that residents who qualify for and choose hospice care, which is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses, can receive it. The agreements must outline how the facility and the hospice program will work together, including details on prompt referrals, the specific duties of each facility's staff and hospice personnel, how they will plan care together and manage symptoms, handle medications and medical oversight, communicate during off-hours and emergencies, and share information. The Department of Health will also offer guidance and support, including sample contract language and best practices, to help these facilities and hospice programs implement these new requirements.