An Act Concerning Care For Elderly Persons In A Home Setting Rather Than A Nursing Home Facility.
Impact
The bill mandates the Commissioner of Social Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Health, to develop a comprehensive plan by January 1, 2016. This plan will outline the resources needed, including an analysis of the elderly population projected to require long-term care and the anticipated financial implications of transitioning to a home care model. A working group will be convened to include various stakeholders, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the potential impacts on both the elderly population and nursing home facilities across the state.
Summary
SB00937, also known as 'An Act Concerning Care For Elderly Persons In A Home Setting Rather Than A Nursing Home Facility,' is a legislative effort aimed at reforming the way long-term care is provided to elderly persons in the state. The bill establishes a framework for ensuring that at least seventy-five percent of elderly individuals requiring long-term care receive such services in their home settings rather than being placed in nursing home facilities. This significant shift is intended to enhance the quality of care and promote independence among elderly individuals.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB00937 appears to be largely positive among advocates for elderly care. Supporters argue that allowing more elderly individuals to receive care at home aligns with contemporary preferences for aging in place and can lead to better health outcomes and cost savings for the state in the long run. However, there may also be concerns regarding the adequacy of resources and support systems necessary to implement such a shift effectively, as well as the potential impact on nursing home industry stakeholders who may be affected by a reduced demand for their services.
Contention
Points of contention related to the bill may revolve around the potential challenges and feasibility of providing adequate home care for all eligible elderly individuals. Questions may arise about the availability of trained caregivers, the sufficiency of state funding to support new programs, and the capacity of the healthcare system to handle the increased demand for home care services. Additionally, there might be debates over regulatory frameworks that need to be established to ensure the safety and quality of care provided in home settings.
An Act Establishing A Task Force To Study Requiring Nursing Homes To Spend A Percentage Of Medicaid Reimbursement Or Total Revenue On Direct Care Of Nursing Home Residents.