Legislative Advocacy
JOIN THE FIGHT TO PASS THE FAMILY HEALTH CARE DECISION-MAKING bill which gives families the right to be involved in medical decisions when relatives can’t make decisions for themselves.
New York is one of only two states that does not give next-of-kin this right unless they have a legal document (a health care proxy).
Without a health care proxy, neither relatives nor representatives have the legal right to
- ask for a second medical opinion
- look at medical records
- make medical care decisions
- monitor skin condition during bathing or diaper changes for pressure sores
- admit their relative into a hospice program.
When this bill passes, families would not require health care proxies to make decisions for incapacitated relatives. Many groups, including nursing homes, support this bill. The Catholic Conference of Bishops opposes it.
To get this bill passed we need many individual letters to state legislators to demonstrate that the issue matters to voters. Letters from Catholics and from areas outside the City carry special weight. Please write to your State representatives and let them know how this bill would benefit you.
HELP INCREASE THE NUMBER OF NURSE AIDES IN NURSING HOMES
There is an epidemic of understaffing in nursing homes that leads to poor care and neglect of residents. Requiring a minimum number of staff to provide care would make a difference.
A coalition of advocates, including FRIA, wrote a bill to mandate at least 1 nurse aide for every 5 residents on the morning shift, 1 for every 8 in the afternoon/evening shift, and 1 to every 12 on the night shift. Specific ratios are required for nurses who provide direct care, and supervision.
This bill will be introduced this legislative session. We need to generate interest and educate legislators about the issue. Write a letter to your State representatives and include the following points:
- We can reduce avoidable care problems like pressure ulcers, restraints, weight loss, and incontinence by improving staff to resident ratios
- Understaffing creates hazardous working conditions for aides and other direct care staff
- A personal story about how understaffing has affected you, and your family.