LeadingAge New York Adviser Adviser LeadingAge NewYork Spring 2019 final | Page 35

Historic Session ...
(Continued from page 33)
of financial support from state or local entities. LeadingAge New York’s amendments were well-
received and included in Assembly versions of the bill.
ACF Penalties: A.4416 (Gottfried)/S.3460 (Rivera) would increase ACF penalties and place
further restrictions on how a facility might apply for a reduction in fines.
Psychotropic Medications in SNF & ACF: A.1033 (Gottfried)/S.5441 (Sepulveda)
would require an enhanced level of informed consent before psychotropic medications can be
prescribed for residents of nursing facilities or ACFs.
Nurse Staffing Ratios: A.2954 (Gunther)/S.1032 (Rivera) would enact the “Safe Staffing for
Quality Care Act” mandating nurse staffing ratios. As in years past, LeadingAge New York strongly
opposed the bill and encouraged the Legislature to allow the DOH staffing study that was included
in the budget to proceed.
While we were able to stop some bad bills, they will likely be back next year. We expect to see a large
push for prevailing wage and nurse staffing ratios. We will need to take the summer and fall months
to educate lawmakers on the impact that these bills would have on long term care and aging services
providers.
As lawmakers return to their districts for the remainder of the year, I challenge you to set a Summer
Grassroots Advocacy Goal! The importance of legislators knowing who you are and the role your
organization plays in the community at large cannot be overstated. The more relaxed summer
months provide the perfect opportunity to connect with your elected officials.
Consider setting up a site visit with legislators, attending town halls or getting residents and board
members involved with grassroots advocacy efforts. The groundwork for the 2020 legislative session
begins now! Your efforts to connect with and educate the many new legislators will allow us to move
our legislative priorities next year.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Advocacy and Public
Policy team at 518-867-8383. Thank you again for your efforts!
leadingageny.org
34