Physician Privileges in Nursing Homes

A new law in New York State will require nursing home operators to provide detailed information about their physician privileges to residents as a prerequisite for admission. The update to the Public Health Law (PHL) means that skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) cannot accept residents until they receive a description of the nursing home's policy regarding granting physician privileges.

According to the bill sponsor, Senator James Sanders of Queens, “Many individuals enter nursing homes having pre-existing relationships with doctors in their community. Whether or not those physicians already have or have the opportunity to be granted privileges may play an important role in choosing a nursing facility.”

The bill was signed into law by the Governor on Nov. 20, 2019 and is set to take effect 90 days from the signing.

LeadingAge NY has reached out to the Department of Health (DOH) to see if there are plans to issue a Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) or other guidance on the new requirement, but DOH has not yet provided information.

Contact: Elliott Frost, efrost@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8832