FAMILY HEALTH CARE DECISIONS ACT (FHCDA) 2010

Who Makes Your Health Care Decisions?

In a historic moment for FRIA and long term care advocates across New York State, the Family Health Care Decisions Act was signed into law Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

The Family Health Care Decisions Act 2010 (A.7729d/S.3164-b) gives New Yorkers important next-of-kin rights in nursing homes and hospitals. This means New Yorkers will now have the right to make medical decisions for their loved ones when their loved ones cannot speak for themselves.  

Some questions caregivers have posed about the new law include:

• Can I refuse medication for my father who has Alzheimer's disease?
• My spouse had a stroke and can no longer talk to her doctor. Can I see her medical records and ask for a second opinion?
• Do I still need to fill out a health care proxy?

To find out the answers and learn more about the Family Health Care Decisions Act call FRIA's free telephone helpline, Monday-Friday, 10AM-5PM or attend one of FRIA's events for National Healthcare Decisions Day Friday, April 16th 2010

FOR MORE INFORMATION!

For more information on health care proxies: Call FRIA at 212-732-4455 or visit the FRIA Advanced Directives Page www.fria.org or Q and A page www.fria.org

PERSONAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE (PNA)  

The Personal Needs Allowance Bill A.2126, S.3083 would increase the allowance residents of health care facilities receive from $50 to $100 per month.  As the cost of living continues to rise, it is impossible for residents to meet their needs with the current $50.00 monthly allowance, which has not been increased since 1981.   

FRIA urges you to visit the New York State Assembly for more information about the bill.    

SAFE STAFFING DIVERSION ACT

The Diversion Act A.5347 is a first step toward required staffing standards in New York nursing homes. Widespread, chronic understaffing in nursing homes leads to poor care, neglect of residents and dangerous working conditions for direct care staff.  The Diversion Act would prohibit new admissions in any nursing home with staffing levels resulting in less than three hours direct care on average per resident per day.

FRIA urges you to visit www.ltccc.org (The Long Term Care Community Coalition)  which offers a fast and easy way to send support via the internet.  

 To look up the status of pending legislation visit the New York State Assembly