LeadingAge NY Meets with Department of Health on DSRIP 2.0 and Regulatory Reform

LeadingAge NY executives discussed priorities for long-term/post-acute care (LTPAC) providers and plans with officials from the Department of Health's (DOH) Office of Health Insurance Programs (OHIP) and Office of Primary Care and Health Systems Management (OPCHSM) in two meetings over the past several weeks. LeadingAge NY stressed the importance of investing in LTPAC and building the LTPAC workforce, given demographic trends. We noted that notwithstanding these trends, the LTPAC sector has borne the largest share of Medicaid cuts over the past two years while receiving the smallest share of investments made through the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) and Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Programs.

To address the challenges faced by the LTPAC sector, LeadingAge NY executives advanced several proposals, including expanding capacity in the Assisted Living Program (ALP) and in housing with services, supporting higher intensity clinical care in nursing homes, assisting rural LTPAC providers, and increasing the number of aides and nurses through expanded access to training programs and additional supports for trainees and direct care workers. We also proposed an array of regulatory reforms to streamline training requirements; enable aides to obtain and maintain multiple certifications; align training programs with federal requirements; enable nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to practice at the top of their scopes of practice; facilitate the use of telehealth services; and facilitate access to hospice services by adult care facility (ACF) residents.

DOH expects to release a draft proposal to extend DSRIP beyond its expiration in 2020 and solicit public comment in September. LeadingAge NY will provide members with updates on the progress of DSRIP and regulatory reform discussions. Members are encouraged to share their ideas for workforce development and regulatory reforms with LeadingAge NY staff.

Contact: Karen Lipson, klipson@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383 ext. 124