Category: Press Releases

Caregivers, Public Health Leaders and Technology Innovators To Receive Home Care and Hospice Excellence Awards

For Release: May 7, 2024

Contact: 

Brandon Vogel (HCA) bvogel@hcanys.org or (518) 810-0658

Media invited to awards ceremony on May 8 in Saratoga Springs, NY

Albany, May 07, 2024 —The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) is presenting awards this week to five exceptional individuals and programs, recognizing their excellence in the home care and hospice fields across New York State.

“It is our distinct privilege to recognize the extraordinary nurses and home health aides who make their patients’ lives better; the inspiring leaders who make their staff feel valued and want to do more; and the brilliant innovators whose ideas can transform home care services in their areas,” said Al Cardillo, president and CEO of HCA. “They represent the very best of this profession and service, and richly deserve these prestigious honors.”

This year’s recipients are:

Ruth F. Wilson Award: HCA’s highest honor is given to a dedicated individual, who has significantly contributed to home care over their career.

Susan Caputo of New York City is the former senior vice president of business development at VNS Health. Throughout her four decades in health care, including her leadership within HCA and her unremitting state and national home care advocacy, Susan has been committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers, notably marginalized and underserved populations, have access to compassionate and equitable health care. Under her leadership at VNS, she increased hospice admissions by more than 20%; oversaw VNS’ expansion into Nassau County, and brought cardiac hospice, behavioral health, LGBTQ+ health and veterans’ health to the New York City home care market.

Caring Awards: The awards recognize those who have exhibited exemplary compassion, skills and service and/or whose actions exemplify caring in the home care setting.

Chymene Noel is a registered nurse with St. Mary’s Health Care in New York City. She was recognized her unparalleled responsiveness to her patients ensuring the best quality of care at home, as well as being the ultimate team player with her colleagues.

Bibi Ageday, a home health aide with Self Help Community Services in New York City, was honored for continually demonstrating care and compassion above and beyond her job description. Her nominator wrote, “It is Bibi’s true calling to care for others and share her positive outlook with vulnerable, frail older adults.” Bibi works closely with a recently widowed Holocaust survivor, who has benefited from Bibi’s encouragement and exceptional care.

Home Care Champion Award: The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a strong and model commitment to home care patients and agency partners.

Hongwei Zhang of Albany is the senior vice president of operations at Consumer Directed Choices. Her expertise in business intelligence, marketing and human resources has had a transformative impact on her agency and home care at large. Her leadership has resulted in greatly increased access for care by 40% at CDChoices and expanded its geographical service area from upstate NY across the entire state. More patients have been able to find home care and a caregiver of their choice, due to her efforts.

Trailblazer Award for Quality and Innovation: The award recognizes a home care or hospice provider agency, Managed Long Term Care plan or team that has implemented an innovative clinical model, workforce supports, patient or staff education program, or other initiative with improved outcomes in terms of client satisfaction, population health improvement, and/or cost reduction or avoidance.

Jennifer Newberry of Elizabethtown is the director of patient services at Essex County Home Care, one of the geographically largest counties in New York with a substantial aging population.

Jennifer has been the driving force behind its successful telehealth program to monitor patients’ vital signs remotely. Because of this, there has been a marked decrease in hospital readmissions and improved care within her agency. Due to its success, the telehealth program is now expanding to emergency medical services to reduce ER visits and hospitalizations, alleviating the burden on paramedics. Jennifer is also a constant “go-to” by HCA for her field-level perspectives and input.

Media are invited to hear from awardees and learn about their extraordinary work during our awards ceremony. If wishing to attend, please contact HCA’s Communications Director Brandon Vogel in advance. Award photos are available upon request.

HCA Annual Awards Ceremony
May 8, 2024
12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Saratoga Hilton
534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

-30-

Statement of HCA President Al Cardillo on Governor Hochul’s State of the State Address

For Release: January 9, 2024

Contact: 

Brandon Vogel (HCA) bvogel@hcanys.org or (518) 810-0658

Home Care Association of New York State President and CEO Al Cardillo issued the following statement in response to Governor Hochul’s State of the State Address.

“HCA commends Governor Hochul for her focus on strengthening the State’s healthcare system, bolstering the healthcare workforce, and improving the health of New Yorkers. We look forward to working closely with the Governor on these proposals and, in particular, on initiatives to assist home health agencies and the hundreds of thousands of vulnerable individuals depending on them every day. It is imperative that the State Legislative Session and budget prioritize the public’s needs for home care services, the critical shortage of home care nurses and aides, and the funding of severely under-reimbursed agencies struggling to provide needed services. Additionally, the Governor’s broader, systemwide proposals must be carefully assessed as details emerge, and be shaped or reshaped to best meet their goals while avoiding adverse impact on patients, providers, and health plans.”

HCA is a statewide health organization comprised of nearly 300 member providers and organizations delivering home and community-based care to several hundred thousand New Yorkers annually.

-30-

Home Care Association of NYS, Sepsis Alliance and Eddy Visiting Nurse and Rehab Association Develop New Patient Teaching Tools To Support Complex Infusion Care at Home

For Release: November 20, 2023 

Contact: 

Brandon Vogel (HCA) bvogel@hcanys.org or (518) 810-0658

Innovative new patient teaching tools developed and piloted by Sepsis Alliance, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA), the Eddy Visiting Nurse and Rehab Association (EVNRA), and a team of collaborating home health agencies will support the increasing medical capability and quality of providing complex infusion care treatments to patients in their own homes. 

These new teaching tools will better procedurally equip patients and caregivers to participate in home infusion by providing increased self-care techniques in infection prevention and safety, and in doing so, will promote quality care and avoidance of infections, infection-related complications, hospitalizations, and the significantly higher associated health care cost. Ultimately, it will promote increased access to in-home infusion treatments wherever possible, where patients and families vastly prefer to receive this care, instead of institution-based treatment. 

Home infusion can be used for a wide range of complex conditions and treatments such as chemotherapy and total parenteral nutrition (provision of nutrition through central lines, or “picc lines,” into to the vascular system). Sterile conditions are essential to ensuring quality treatment, patient safety and sustainability of the treatment approach. Patients’ health, safety, treatment success and optimal access to in-home treatments of this type may now all be enhanced through this new initiative, along with major potential for health care cost savings. 

As part of “Drug Resistance and Anti-Infective Home Infusions: An Educational Program for Chronic Disease Patients and Their Caregivers,” a patient education guide, “zone tool,” and animated videos in English and Spanish are now available for patients and caregivers to help reduce the number of drug-resistant infections that can lead to sepsis cases. These resources are available for download at no cost from Sepsis Alliance.  

Chronic disease patients receiving infusions of antibiotics or antifungals in the home setting have an elevated need for education regarding infection and drug resistance, due to their increased vulnerability. Representing 6 in 10 US adults, patients with chronic disease incur 90% of healthcare costs nationwide. Severe infection progressing to sepsis incurs the highest in-hospital cost of any condition.  

It is estimated that 3 million patients receive home infusions each year with the most common treatment being anti-infective infusions. Without knowledge of drug resistance and appropriate steps to mitigate risk, patients are more likely to experience infections. A Pfizer-funded survey by Sepsis Alliance indicates that nearly a third of US adults have not heard of antibiotic resistance, almost half have not heard of antimicrobial resistance and 75% do not realize that antimicrobial resistance means that drugs used to treat infection no longer work.  

“Sepsis Alliance knows that infection prevention is sepsis prevention,” said Thomas Heymann, Sepsis Alliance President and CEO. “Sepsis is the body’s toxic response to infection and if we are able to help individuals reduce their risk of infection, we can save lives from sepsis. Thank you to HCA for their support on this project that we believe will save lives in this vulnerable population.”  

“Home health care plays an ever-increasing role in nearly all facets of health care, and this includes care at home for some of the most complex conditions and treatments. In addition to support from skilled nurses and other home health clinicians, a core role of home health is its teaching role in providing critical education and skill development for patients and family caregivers. Increasing in-home safety techniques and self-management capability, especially in infection prevention, is hugely consequential for patient health and quality care and outcomes for patients,” said Al Cardillo, president and chief executive officer of HCA. 

“In the case of sepsis specifically, the more we can educate our patients and caregivers, the more we can stop sepsis and other infections before they occur. HCA applauds Sepsis Alliance President Tom Heymann and the Sepsis Alliance team for their leadership in this initiative. We thank New York’s home health agencies and patients who partnered and participated in it, including Rochester Regional, the EVNRA, and Visiting Nursing Association of WNY/VNA Home Care Services (Kaleida Health).” 

“I loved working on this project with Sepsis Alliance,” said Laurie Brann, clinical nurse specialist for IV Therapy, EVNRA. The printed materials are wonderful for patients with the color coding to match the levels of risk. The video helps us complete our initial teaching goals with patients and caregivers, such as safe storage of medicine and supplies and having a clean IV workspace.”  

Funding for this program was provided in part by an independent educational grant from Pfizer, Inc.  

About Sepsis Alliance
Sepsis Alliance, the first and leading sepsis organization in the U.S., seeks to save lives and reduce suffering by improving sepsis awareness and care. More than 1.7 million people are diagnosed with sepsis each year in the U.S. with more than 350,000 adults dying and over 50% of survivors experiencing post-sepsis syndrome and other lingering effects, including amputations. At Sepsis Alliance’s founding in 2003, only 19% of U.S. adults were aware of the term “sepsis.” After over ten years of educational efforts for the general public and healthcare professionals through Sepsis.org, Sepsis Alliance Institute, and Sepsis Alliance Voices, awareness is at 66%. Over 30,000 healthcare professionals across the country have attended sepsis webinars and courses to elevate their practice. Sepsis Alliance is the convener of Sepsis Innovation Collaborative, a multi-stakeholder public/private collaborative dedicated to innovations in sepsis diagnosis and management. Sepsis Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and a GuideStar Platinum Rated charity. For more information, please visit www.sepsis.org and connect with Sepsis Alliance on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn at @SepsisAlliance.  

About HCA
HCA is a statewide health organization comprised of nearly 300 member providers and organizations delivering home and community-based care to several hundred thousand New Yorkers annually, and works closely with Sepsis Alliance in its sepsis intervention efforts. 

About EVNRA
Eddy Visiting Nurse & Rehab Association is a non-profit certified home health agency serving the Capital Region area of New York State for over 115 years. Specialty services include infusion nursing, palliative care, wound care, and diabetes. 

-30- 

 

Michelle Mazzacco To Chair HCA Board of Directors

For Release: June 12, 2023 

Contact: 

Brandon Vogel (HCA) bvogel@hcanys.org or (518) 810-0658

Michelle Mazzacco of East Greenbush is the new chair of the Home Care Association of New York State’s (HCA) Board of Directors. 

“HCA and the entire home and community-based health care sector are extremely privileged to have Michelle Mazzacco’s leadership, expertise and unsurpassed commitment to patient care at the helm,” said Al Cardillo, president and CEO of HCA. “We look forward to the many contributions she will make to serve providers and patients throughout New York.” 

Mazzacco is the executive vice president of the Continuing Care Network of St. Peter’s Health Partners. She is responsible for leadership, strategic guidance, and direction for all Continuing Care services, and integrating Continuing Care services within the St. Peter’s Health Partners integrated healthcare delivery system as well as within the communities served.   

Mazzacco has been a longtime member of HCA and is the past recipient of its Distinguished Service Award, Advocacy Award and the Ruth F. Wilson Award, its highest honor. 

She also is a board member of the Community Health Accreditation Program. She previously served on the board of directors of St. Catherine’s Center for Children and the Down Syndrome Research Center. 

She is a graduate of Sage Evening College and Sage Graduate School, where she earned her master of business administration degree. 

HCA’s Board of Directors is responsible for promoting and implementing a vision and strategic policy direction for the home care industry and the Association. 

HCA is a statewide health organization comprised of nearly 300 member providers and organizations delivering home and community-based care to several hundred thousand New Yorkers annually. 

-30- 

Caregivers, Public Health Leaders, & Educators To Receive Home Care and Hospice Excellence Awards

Albany, May 03, 2023 —The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) is presenting awards this week to eight exceptional individuals and programs, recognizing their excellence in the home care and hospice fields across New York State. 

“We are so pleased to honor an outstanding group of recipients this year, who embody the very best of our profession. Through their skills, dedication and talents, they have made indelible contributions to home care and hospice,” said Al Cardillo, president and CEO of HCA. “It is our great privilege to recognize their efforts.” 

This year’s recipients are: 

Ruth F. Wilson Award: HCA’s highest honor is given to a dedicated individual, who has significantly contributed to home care over their career. 

Ginger Hall, Public Health Director, Jefferson County, Watertown, has been a home care leader for 35 years, championing needs and solutions throughout the field, and especially giving voice for rural and small communities home care needs across the state. She currently leads the Jefferson County Public Health Service, where she has held progressive roles with increasing responsibility, from Public Health Nurse to Quality Improvement Coordinator, Supervising Public Health Nurse and Director of Patient Services.  

In addition, Ginger devoted eight years of statewide service to the HCA board from 2009 to 2017, and was a powerful and effective voice at the Board’s policy, advocacy, member service and visionary levels.  

Under a grant with HCA, she is currently piloting a Collaborative Model of Community Medicine and Paramedicine the Jefferson County/North Country region of NY intended to be a prototype for the entire state. The model integrates home care, hospitals, primary care and emergency medical services, to create a potential new collaborative paradigm in service delivery. Her work has since been shared with the Governor’s Office, Department of Health, Health Plans and others as the model for how innovation and collaboration can be done across the state. 

Caring Awards: The awards recognize those who have exhibited exemplary compassion, skills and service and/or whose actions exemplify caring in the home care setting. 

Yolanda Drayton, RN Educator, Americare, Brooklyn has trained countless nurses and caregivers over the course of her near 50-year career. Many home health aides often talk about their training from Miss Yolanda and the impact she has made on their lives. Recently, she ran Americare’s first Hybrid Training program to remotely train new home health aides to meet workforce shortages.  

Janet Sovik, Home Health Aide, Nascentia Health, Syracuse, is one of her agency’s most reliable and dedicated aides. At 82 years of age, she has no plans to retire. She often works seven days a week to care for her patients and never misses a shift due to inclement weather.  She views home care as a calling, “because you’re caring for someone. You know you’re doing something good for someone that they can’t do for themselves.” 

Home Care Champion Award: The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a strong and model commitment to home care patients and agency partners. 

Tracy Crandall, RN Case Manager, Eddy VNRA, Troy, was recognized for always going the extra mile with her patients and her team. She routinely delivers outstanding patient care and accepts extra visits. She is the first nurse to volunteer for training new hires and allowing them to shadow her for the day. She makes sure that her patients’ needs are met, often donating food for those who might not have enough to eat. 

Trailblazer Award for Quality and Innovation: The award recognizes a home care or hospice provider agency, Managed Long Term Care plan or team that has implemented an innovative clinical model, workforce supports, patient or staff education program, or other initiative with improved outcomes in terms of client satisfaction, population health improvement, and/or cost reduction or avoidance. 

The VNS Health Nurse Residency Program in New York City supports the transition to practice for recent nursing school graduates who are licensed, or nurses new to the home care specialty, with less than a year of nursing experience. It includes classroom activity, shadow visits alongside veteran nurses, and support in the field. Residents are paired with experienced field nurses assigned as their “Preceptors,” who support their development in hands-on patient care skills and help residents become more confident.

Representatives: Monica Cayemitte, Elizer Cooper Audain, Yvonne Eaddy, and Alice Rainford-Miller. 

Media are invited to hear from awardees and learn about their extraordinary work during our awards ceremony. If wishing to attend, please contact HCA’s Communications Director Brandon Vogel in advance. Award photos are available upon request. 

HCA Annual Awards Ceremony
May 4, 2023
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Saratoga Hilton
534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 

-30- 

 

New Video Series Shows Positive Impact of Hospitals and Home Care Collaboration on Patient Care

For Release: March 13, 2023 

Contacts: 

Brandon Vogel (HCA) bvogel@hcanys.org or (518) 810-0658
Janae Quackenbush (HANYS) jquacken@hanys.org or (518) 431-7745
Kathy Kirvin (IHA) kkirvin@iroquois.org or (518) 348-7457

The transformative effect of hospital and home care collaboration on patient care is made clear in a new video series developed by the Home Care Association of New York State, Iroquois Healthcare Association and the Healthcare Association of New York State. 

Produced as part of the Statewide Hospital-Home Care Collaborative for COVID-19 and Beyond, funded by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, these videos show how hospitals and home care providers from across the state are working together in a coordinated fashion to provide high quality, patient-centered care.  

“Hospitals, Home Health Agencies and physicians are partnering in models that offer true, transformative pathways for a strengthened health care system,” said Al Cardillo, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Home Care Association of New York State. “Patients are overwhelmingly benefited by collaborative, coordinated and integrated care across providers, which makes the system stronger and more capable, optimizes resources and efficiency, and most importantly, maintains the patient at center-focus. These Hospital-Home Care-Physician Collaboratives, which we and our hospital partners have been working to promote statewide, offer solutions that we hope all will consider, including Governor Hochul and the Legislature as they weigh approaches to supporting New York’s health care system.” 

It was never more evident than when the COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed the capacity of many hospitals to meet the surge in patient demand that collaboration was necessary because the pandemic forced healthcare into the home, and it is a trend that is only growing,” said IHA President and CEO Gary Fitzgerald.

“We saw an incredible amount of innovation during the pandemic,” said Bea Grause, RN, JD, President, Healthcare Association of New York State. “That unprecedented level of creativity and problem-solving resulted in better patient care and outcomes. Our members look forward to more opportunities to transform care and meet the needs of all New Yorkers.”  

Among the videos: 

University of Rochester Medical Center & UR Home Care: The Critical Illness Recovery Program serves patients who are recovering from prolonged stints in intensive care units and are especially prone to Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, a collection of physical, mental and emotional symptoms that continue to persist after a patient leaves the intensive care unit (ICU). Its telemedicine program has reduced the rate of readmissions for ICU patients by more than 50 percent. 

St. Peter’s Health Partners: The Care Transitions Coach COVID ED Diversion Program helps discharged COVID patients safely recover at home. Prior to COVID, emergency departments did not discharge patients on oxygen, which presented new challenges for patients and providers. Daily contact between nurses and patients ensured the program’s success by consistently checking in with patients before they could meet with their primary care physician. 

New York-Presbyterian Queens and St. Mary’s Home Care: With one in five children having a special health care need, the Home-Based Asthma Management program helps children with chronic illnesses such as childhood asthma, one of the most common emergency visits and often exacerbated by environmental issues including mold. Through its telehealth program, home care visits have prevented repeat hospitalizations for sick children due to early intervention, better monitoring and improved communication. 

The three organizations recently issued reports detailing best practices for establishing new models of hospital-home care innovation, meeting the growing demand for mental health services, public vaccination efforts, and partnering with the aging services network. 

The associations look forward to continuing their engagement with providers across the healthcare continuum, community partners and policymakers to advance collaborative models of patient care.  

### 

New York’s Health Care Associations’ Four New Reports Recommend Continued Collaboration To Improve Patient Care And Outcomes

Reports highlight collaborative work on hospital-home care innovation, mental health, public vaccination, and aging in place

Local collaboration is the key to confronting public health challenges, according to four new reports issued by the Home Care Association of New York State, Iroquois Healthcare Association and the Healthcare Association of New York State.

As part of the Statewide Hospital-Home Care Collaborative for COVID-19 and Beyond, funded by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, the three organizations’ new reports detail best practices for establishing new models of hospital-home care innovation, meeting the growing demand for mental health services, public vaccination efforts, and partnering with the aging services network.

“When New Yorkers come together to help each other and serve their communities, everyone benefits,” said Al Cardillo, president and chief executive officer of the Home Care Association of New York State. “Our work is not done; collaboration and communication must continue so the healthcare system and professionals are ready for future challenges. The innovative partnerships made will undoubtedly help us continue to address community health needs across the state, particularly those affecting the homebound.”

“What we have learned from the pandemic is that organizations need to continue to find ways to work collaboratively to improve access and quality of care for the people of New York State,” said IHA President and CEO Gary J. Fitzgerald. “The strongest organizations that will emerge in the next several years will be those that have found ways to turn competition into collaboration, have integrated individual and siloed programs into the continuum of care and have found ways to share data in a manner that protects patient privacy, while also sharing data for better outcomes.  The models and organizations featured in this hospital-home care collaboration grant have not only done these things, but they have also identified programs that could be replicated in the future by others.”

“These reports highlight how essential collaboration was during the COVID-19 pandemic and how much potential there is in continued and increased partnerships,” said Bea Grause, RN, JD, president, Healthcare Association of New York State. “We must continue to innovate as we transform our healthcare system and address very serious workforce and fiscal challenges.”

“The collaboration between facility-based care and Offices for the Aging is paramount to support older New Yorkers, caregivers, and families, and allow individuals to age in place. The Association on Aging in New York is thrilled to partner with the Home Care Association, HANYS, and IHA to highlight best practice models for holistic care,” said Becky Preve, executive director, Association on Aging in New York.

Among the reports’ key findings:

Compendium of Statewide Hospital-Home Care Collaborative Models

  • Hospitals and home care providers in New York state can build upon the developments made and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic to create an integrated, patient-centered healthcare system.
  • Strong coordination across the continuum of health and social services can improve clinical outcomes for patients and reduce preventable emergency department utilization and inpatient admissions.

Innovative Hospital-Home Care-Mental Health Collaboration Models: A Primer

  • Mental healthcare needs must be considered when making plans to age in place or return to the community post-hospital discharge. Hospital, home care and mental health providers bring unique strengths to work together to serve the whole patient.
  • Approaching patient care from a team-based perspective and engaging with the patient to work toward a shared goal can improve cost-effectiveness and reduce medical errors.
  • Telehealth has the potential to fill a significant care need as it is transforming the healthcare system by decreasing barriers and increasing access to services. It is an easy and effective way to receive needed mental health services on the computer, cellphone or tablet.

2022 Collaborative Prototypes & Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

  • Pharmacies and community-based organizations used their roles effectively as trusted neighborhood healthcare providers to combat vaccine hesitancy and improve distribution. Limited broadband access in rural areas, as well as digital illiteracy, made online registration for vaccine appointments difficult to impossible.
  • The ten regional hubs in New York each created a health equity task force (HETF) to organize the equitable distribution of vaccines. The HETFs broke down transportation barriers, reached the homebound population and employed targeted, community-based messaging to reach the underserved.
  • An organized reporting structure and single points of contact for reporting and communication can reduce duplicative work, uncertainty and miscommunication. A centralized, real-time reporting system and database are needed for future projects.

Hospital and Home Care Partnerships with Aging Providers: Collaboration Models and Lessons Learned

  • The number of New Yorkers ages 65 and older increased by 647,000 (26%) over the past decade. During the same period, New York State’s overall population grew by 3%. There are now more New Yorkers ages 65 and older than there are children under the age of 13.
  • Because of the growing preference to age in place, multiple sectors must collaborate to fortify care transitions. The transition from the hospital to the home is particularly crucial. Significant investments must be made to recruit and retain the workforce needed to care for the growing aging population.

The associations look forward to continuing their engagement with providers across the healthcare continuum, community partners and policymakers to advance collaborative models of patient care.

Contacts:

Brandon Vogel (HCA) bvogel@hcanys.org or (518) 810-0658
Janae Quackenbush (HANYS)
jquacken@hanys.org or (518) 431-7745
Kathy Kirvin (IHA)
kkirvin@iroquois.org or (518) 348-7457

Senator Gustavo Rivera and New York Health Community Commend Governor Hochul For Proclaiming September as Sepsis Awareness Month in New York

Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a proclamation recognizing September as Sepsis Awareness Month in New York. Affecting nearly 50,000 New Yorkers annually, sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues.  

“I commend Governor Hochul for proclaiming September as Sepsis Awareness Month in New York. This important step will allow our State to continue to lead the national fight against this life-threatening condition that affects thousands of New Yorkers annually,” said Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Senate Health Committee. “I look forward to continue working with our government and advocacy partners to further support sepsis education, prevention, screening, early treatment in honor of those who survived and in legacy of those whose lives were lost.” 

When the infection-fighting processes turn on the body, organs function poorly and abnormally. Certain population groups are more vulnerable to developing sepsis, such as the young, elderly, individuals with chronic illness, those with compromised immune systems, and those facing systemic healthcare disparities. Patients who develop and survive sepsis have an increased risk of complications and death later, as well as higher healthcare costs and longer treatment. 

New York continues to be at the cutting edge of efforts to combat sepsis, developing and implementing policies and innovations across the healthcare system. Hospitals across the state are incorporating “Rory’s Regulations” and sepsis protocols and schools have implemented NY’s “Rory’s Law.” For over five years, home care agencies have been implementing a home care sepsis screening and intervention tool and protocol, developed by the state Home Care Association assisted by Sepsis Alliance and ENDSEPSIS, which adds a critical layer of screening in the home and community. 

“HCA applauds Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Health Chairman Senator Gustavo Rivera for proclaiming September Sepsis Awareness Month,” said HCA President and CEO Al Cardillo. “The collaborative work of all health sectors, public educators and government officials is imperative to combatting this health and life-threatening medical emergency, which 87 percent of the time occurs in home and community. We at HCA and in home care stand as a critical and committed partner in this cause with fellow health sectors and under the national sepsis leadership of the Sepsis Alliance, and END SEPSIS-Legacy of Rory Staunton.” 

“Sepsis Alliance is grateful to New York for honoring Sepsis Awareness Month in 2022 at the state level. Observances like this one can help to achieve increased sepsis awareness, which can improve time to recognition and treatment, ultimately saving lives and limbs from this devastating condition.” Thomas Heymann, President & CEO, Sepsis Alliance. 

“Through mandatory sepsis protocols in hospitals (Rory’s Regulations), and training requirements for healthcare workers, including home healthcare providers, New York leads the nation in the fight against sepsis. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners and the New York State Legislature to end preventable deaths from sepsis and we urge other states to follow New York’s lead and prioritize sepsis as a public health emergency.” Orlaith and Ciaran Staunton, END SEPSIS, the Legacy of Rory Staunton. 

“I would like to commend and thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Gustavo Rivera, the Sepsis Alliance, the END SEPSIS – Legacy of Rory Staunton, IPRO and the Home Care Association of New York State for their efforts to bring awareness and to educate the community about sepsis. As a severe sepsis survivor, I am especially aware of the physical and mental pain, the disability and all too often the mortality that sepsis inflicts on its victims. It is my fervent hope that these collective efforts will help reduce and perhaps one day eliminate the scourge of sepsis.” Allan Filler, Sepsis Survivor and Advisor to HCA’s Sepsis Initiative 

“Sepsis is no stranger to me as I have unfortunately been through sepsis not once, not twice, but many times. I currently have a central line which is intravenous access through the jugular vein in which I have daily nutrition, medication and fluid infusions. 

It is absolutely imperative to have the awareness of signs, symptoms and risks involved with sepsis along with specific protocol. The majority of the population have no hints, ideas, knowledge or experience of sepsis and that in and of itself is a recipe for disaster. Sepsis does not discriminate. Sepsis sometimes does not start with some big full-blown injury or illness. Something that the healthiest of people wouldn’t bat an eye at. The possible results of this are enormously life changing.  

I truly cannot stress the importance of continued education and protocols to be set up regarding this very emergent condition. I know given my intense history with sepsis, if the tools and education were not in place, it is a very big possibility I would not be here today writing this.” Jillian Thibault, Sepsis Survivor and Advisor to HCA’s Sepsis Initiative 

“HANYS has long worked with our members to improve early identification and evidence-based treatment of sepsis in adults and children,” said HANYS President Bea Grause, RN, JD. “Sen. Rivera has served as a formidable champion of sepsis awareness. We are committed to continued partnerships with our members, clinical experts and policy leaders toward the shared goal of improving patient care and outcomes.” Bea Grause, RN, JD, President, Healthcare Association of New York State 

“Through our Patients’ Rights Helpline we know that when a family is confronted with sepsis affecting their loved one that seconds can turn into minutes and minutes can turn into hours in terms of patient survival. Family caregivers know best when a family member is failing. If they understand the symptoms of sepsis they can advocate for the hospital or health provider to assist them. Broadening public awareness of the symptoms of sepsis will help save lives!” Maria Alvarez, Executive Director, New York StateWide Senior Action Council  

“The MCHF believes that addressing the sepsis crisis is an absolute healthcare priority. We thank those in both the public and private sector that are involved in the effort to address the causes and treatments of sepsis” Mother Cabrini Health Foundation 

“Sepsis is a stealth public health threat that remains unknown to many people despite claiming more lives than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and opioid overdose combined, including 350,000 Americans each year and approximately 50,000 New Yorkers. When sepsis is most treatable, at the earliest stages, it is also hardest to identify. Therefore, it is so important for people of all ages to know the signs – especially older adults, who are most susceptible. NYSOFA is proud to join our partner state agencies, the Legislature, and organizations like HCA in raising awareness of this deadly, but preventable, condition.” Greg Olsen, Director, New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) 

“Sepsis is a deadly condition that claims the lives of 350,000 Americans each year, but more than 1.4 million survive. IPRO is proud to partner with leading healthcare organizations throughout New York State and across the nation through data collection, public and professional education, and survivor resources. Together we are working to promote early identification of sepsis to enable emergent treatment and improved outcomes.” Sara Butterfield, RN, Vice President for Quality Improvement, IPRO 

###

Home Care Associations Call on the NYS Legislature to Pass Bill that Averts a Crisis in Home Care

“More people should have the opportunity to receive care at home, in a supportive community, or from a loved one” — President Joe Biden

President Biden and his administration “get it” – the critical importance of home care.

Today the New York State Association of Health Care Providers (HCP), the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) and Leading Age New York (LANY) call on the legislature to support the home care industry by passing S.6640 (May)/A.7304 (Gottfried). This bill would repeal an ill-conceived 2020 Medicaid policy – Public Health Law Section 3605-c – which authorizes an arbitrary, unilateral role for the state Department of Health to cut home care through the issuance of a Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA) Request for Offers (RFO). Continue reading “Home Care Associations Call on the NYS Legislature to Pass Bill that Averts a Crisis in Home Care”

NYS Home Care Association Presents Eight Awards Recognizing Home Care & Hospice Excellence

Awardees include home care and hospice caregivers, programs, patients, leaders and organizations in Rochester, the Capital Region, NYC, statewide, and nationally

ALBANY — At its Annual Conference on May 5, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) honored eight exceptional individuals and programs receiving HCA’s highest awards for excellence in home care and hospice. Continue reading “NYS Home Care Association Presents Eight Awards Recognizing Home Care & Hospice Excellence”

As NY Budget Proposes 50% Workforce Funding Cut, New HCA Report Shows Devastating Impact of Pandemic on Home Care Finances and Access  

HCA calls for restoration of workforce and service funds, as well as a ‘Home Care First’ policy to meet rising demand for home care in pandemic

ALBANY — At a time when home care providers face a 50% workforce recruitment-and-retention funding cut and other reductions in New York’s budget, HCA has issued a new report showing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on home care operations and workforce amid a rising demand for services and escalating new costs for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other needs. Continue reading “As NY Budget Proposes 50% Workforce Funding Cut, New HCA Report Shows Devastating Impact of Pandemic on Home Care Finances and Access  “

For National Home Care Month, HCA Recognizes 30 Aides, Nurses and Therapists Who Are Home Care Heroes

During National Home Care Month, in November, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) recognizes thirty exceptional individuals as part of our Home Care Heroes campaign.

Each Hero was nominated by a home care or hospice agency in many regions of New York State. HCA has created an individualized profile link telling each person’s story with a picture. Please see links to all 30 individuals here: http://nationalhomecaremonth.com/home-care-heroes.

“During the COVID-19 health emergency, thousands of home care and hospice aides, nurses and therapists marshaled their unique skills and capacity for caring to help patients amid new fears, anxieties and intensified needs,” said HCA President Al Cardillo. “Their contributions to the pandemic response are nothing short of miraculous, in large part because their great work has exemplified what home care always accomplishes, during ordinary times, to address countless individual needs and urgencies.” Continue reading “For National Home Care Month, HCA Recognizes 30 Aides, Nurses and Therapists Who Are Home Care Heroes”

HCA, Selfhelp Community Services to Expand Pioneering ‘Virtual Senior Center’ for All NY Home Care Patients Amid COVID-19 Social Isolation

Grant from Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to fund statewide technical expansion of Selfhelp’s online VSC platform so home care providers statewide can offer service, connect patients

The distress of social isolation and technology’s power to help overcome this divide are well understood by all New Yorkers amid the COVID-19 health emergency. Older adults, especially those who are homebound, are uniquely susceptible to these perils – now more so than ever.

To help, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) was awarded a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to leverage Selfhelp Community Services’ Virtual Senior Center (VSC) web-based platform so that all home care providers in New York State can offer the VSC to their patients. Continue reading “HCA, Selfhelp Community Services to Expand Pioneering ‘Virtual Senior Center’ for All NY Home Care Patients Amid COVID-19 Social Isolation”

Groups to Train Home Care Clinicians on COVID-19 Testing Vital to NY’s Reopening, Public Health & Safety

Just-announced Mother Cabrini Health Foundation grant will support joint statewide training effort being led by Home Care Association of New York State, Iroquois Healthcare Alliance, and Mohawk Valley Health System

New York’s COVID-19 reopening plan hinges on the state’s testing capabilities. Three organizations are joining forces to help build such potential in home health care, thanks to a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.

Under this grant, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) will engage the training team of the Iroquois Healthcare Alliance (IHA) and the expertise of clinical faculty at the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS). Together they’ll deliver and promote web-based training for as many as 18,000 home health RNs and other personnel on COVID-19 testing procedures that can be conducted at home. Continue reading “Groups to Train Home Care Clinicians on COVID-19 Testing Vital to NY’s Reopening, Public Health & Safety”

NY Has Allowed Medicaid Home Telehealth Flexibility to Keep Patients & Staff Safe in COVID-19; Washington Should Follow Suit for Medicare

A statement from HCA President Al Cardillo

“I greatly commend the New York State Department of Health for employing a broadly flexible and visionary use of telehealth through home health providers to promote patient care as well as worker and patient safety in the COVID-19 emergency.” Continue reading “NY Has Allowed Medicaid Home Telehealth Flexibility to Keep Patients & Staff Safe in COVID-19; Washington Should Follow Suit for Medicare”

New Survey of Home Care Providers Examines Workforce, Supply, Financial Impacts of COVID-19 in NYS

Findings again validate call for prioritization of supplies, Medicare home telehealth service and billing allowances to protect home care patients and staff

The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) has again surveyed home and community-based providers in New York State – at the COVID-19 epicenter – to learn more about specific impacts of the health emergency on home and community-based services delivered to nearly 900,000 New Yorkers. It is available at here.

This is HCA’s second survey on the home care impact. (The first was conducted in mid-March and shared publicly on March 17.)

Our latest survey, finalized on April 6, further examines: the number of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases among home care staff and patients; what agencies are doing to cope with equipment shortages; percentage changes in patient counts due to COVID-19; the numbers (in ranges) of patients refusing care for fear of exposure; what agencies are doing in cases where patients are refusing care; projected financial impacts for the foreseeable future; and more. Continue reading “New Survey of Home Care Providers Examines Workforce, Supply, Financial Impacts of COVID-19 in NYS”

Statement From HCA President Al Cardillo on Today’s Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) Vote

“At a time when long term care providers and programs are overburdened by a crushing global health crisis, the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) moved forward today on recommendations that disproportionately impair these safety-net services through yet-further across-the-board cuts and program restrictions.”

“The COVID-19 crisis has impaired home care’s workforce capabilities, created new vulnerabilities for patients at home, and brought enormous, unprecedented stresses on the entire health care support system.”

“Right now, our data shows that home care providers are serving at least 14,000 level I patients at home, defined as those in need of uninterrupted care. Out of all 900,000 patients in New York’s home care system, these are individuals who would otherwise require care in a hospital or nursing home because they are technology dependent or severely ill.” Continue reading “Statement From HCA President Al Cardillo on Today’s Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) Vote”

Press Statement: Home Care Needs Priority Supplies, Regulatory Flexibility & Emergency Aid for COVID-19 Response

A Statement from HCA President and CEO Al Cardillo 

“The home care population includes the elderly and individuals with multiple underlying chronic conditions who are at greatest risk from COVID-19. Individuals in quarantine, as well as those self-isolating and possibly living with COVID-19 undetected, are residing at home in most cases.”

“While hospital surge capacity concerns are, of course, extremely vital in this massive public health crisis, essential access to supplies, regulatory flexibility and emergency aid are needed for home care providers serving 900,000 individuals at home all across New York State. A great many of these individuals are at risk and require vital services to protect their health and safety.”

“In a just-completed HCA survey on the crisis, nearly 300 home care providers in every region of New York State report that they collectively serve more than 14,100 priority level 1 patients in the community. These are patients who, without home care, would face a rapid, immediately life-threatening deterioration in their existing health condition or would need to be transferred to another setting, such as hospitals or nursing homes already stretched to capacity. Many of these most at-risk patients are homebound, or dependent on technology or ventilators, with severe life-limiting conditions.” Continue reading “Press Statement: Home Care Needs Priority Supplies, Regulatory Flexibility & Emergency Aid for COVID-19 Response”

A Statement from HCA President & CEO Al Cardillo on HCA’s State Advocacy Day, Medicaid, the MRT

“The home care system, which serves close to 900,000 New Yorkers, needs to be represented on the Governor’s Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT), a process that, very swiftly, is expected to devise $2.5 billion in Medicaid cost savings.”

“Today, HCA is meeting with legislators during our state advocacy day in Albany to bolster support for productive cost-savings proposals in Medicaid. These warrant consideration.” Continue reading “A Statement from HCA President & CEO Al Cardillo on HCA’s State Advocacy Day, Medicaid, the MRT”

A Statement from HCA President and CEO Al Cardillo Regarding Governor Cuomo’s Proposed Budget

The Governor today proposed a sequel to the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) process of 2011 as an approach to restructuring Medicaid and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

HCA understands the magnitude and seriousness of New York’s budget circumstances. This is why we have already presented the Governor’s office and Legislature with ready proposals to support Medicaid cost efficiencies and relief.

These cost offsets and reforms merit a voice at the MRT table. They leverage the capabilities of New York’s home and community-based care system to save millions of dollars through improved coordination of Medicare-Medicaid covered benefits, avoidance of higher-cost service utilization, enhancements in chronic disease management, efficient care transitions and direct cost-control and efficiency reforms. Continue reading “A Statement from HCA President and CEO Al Cardillo Regarding Governor Cuomo’s Proposed Budget”

Statement: Attorney General James Settlement For 100 Home Health Aides

A Statement from Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) President and CEO Al Cardillo

“I echo Attorney General Letitia James’s sentiments regarding the tireless, vital work of home health aides in caring for the most vulnerable New Yorkers. Not knowing all circumstances of this case, HCA is not able speak on those specifics. However, there is no place in New York’s home care system — or in the broader health care system — for any organization to deliberately engage in unlawful practices described in the AG’s press release, or to exploit an individual’s immigration status as has been charged. HCA supports the efforts of law enforcement in breaches of these laws in home care as in any sector.”

September is Sepsis Month: Thousands Now Screened by Home Care RNs for Life-Threatening Sepsis Using Innovative Tool

Everything you need to know about sepsis detection protocols that are saving lives and reducing costs through home care — plus next steps for broader application (www.stopsepsisathomeny.org)  

September is “Sepsis Awareness Month,” and the Home Care Association of New York State’s national-first sepsis screening program for home care nurses and providers is making major strides in addressing this medical emergency — sepsis — a condition that claims a life every two minutes (according to Sepsis Alliance) and is more likely to occur in the home and community than in a hospital.

“Data suggests that 80% to 90% of sepsis cases actually originate in the home or community,” says HCA President and CEO Al Cardillo. “This fact alone is one of many reasons why home care’s involvement in sepsis screening is so vital, and why protocols, like HCA’s program, are incredibly important when it comes to improving outcomes and saving lives in a home care population that is especially vulnerable. All sectors of the health care system have a responsibility to intervene — and, wherever possible, prevent — the tragic loss of life, morbidity and life-altering effects of this condition. The home care system is especially equipped to do so.” Continue reading “September is Sepsis Month: Thousands Now Screened by Home Care RNs for Life-Threatening Sepsis Using Innovative Tool”

NY Legislature Passes Nation’s First Sepsis Education and Support Initiative for Home Care

Bill would support education and widespread use of screening tool to determine sepsis risk

ALBANY – HCA applauds the New York State Legislature for passing the nation’s first sepsis education and support initiative rooted in the home health care setting and practice. It comes at a time when this so-called “silent killer” is raising alarms across the health care continuum, from the CDC to state and local health departments.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused when the body’s immune system wages an over-aggressive response to an infection, often causing injury to the body’s organs. It affects more than a million Americans annually – 15 to 30% of whom will die.

Only a few states have gradually begun standardizing sepsis protocols for hospitals. New York did so through legislation pioneered in 2013, known as “Rory’s Regulations,” named after Rory Staunton, a boy who tragically died of sepsis in 2012. Continue reading “NY Legislature Passes Nation’s First Sepsis Education and Support Initiative for Home Care”

21 Organizations Urge Immediate Action on Community Care Investment Bills

ALBANY – Advocates representing twenty-one primary care, mental health, substance use disorder, developmental disability and home care provider associations were joined today by Assembly Health Chair Richard Gottfried and Senate Health Chair Gustavo Rivera urging legislation (A.7977A/S.6376) assuring that a minimum dedicated share of funds is allocated to community-based providers from an existing pool known as the Health Care Transformation Fund (HCTF).

HCTF was enacted as part of the state fiscal year 2018-19 budget. It requires funds to be used “to support care delivery, including for capital investment, debt retirement or restructuring, housing and other social determinants of health, or transitional operating support to health care providers.”  Continue reading “21 Organizations Urge Immediate Action on Community Care Investment Bills”

HCA Presses Bills for Home Care, Hospice, MLTC Rate Stability, Workforce Support & Cost-Saver Programs

ALBANY – With one week left before the State Legislature adjourns, HCA is urging action on several priority bills for home care, hospice and Managed Long Term Care services and supports.

HCA has worked with legislative offices and partners on bills that would provide for: Medicaid rate stability and benchmarks; efficiencies in home care aide in-service reporting; workforce supports; sepsis prevention; and public health and health disparities initiatives. (Background on each of these bills and their rationale are shown in a table at https://tinyurl.com/yyxet48h.)

“System-wide underpayments and fund-flow shortfalls need to be addressed throughout New York’s home care system,” said HCA President and CEO Al Cardillo. “Meanwhile, major workforce demands for nurses, therapists and home health aides must be met in order to ensure access to services, especially for individuals needing care after hospitalizations, or to prevent institutional care episodes.” Continue reading “HCA Presses Bills for Home Care, Hospice, MLTC Rate Stability, Workforce Support & Cost-Saver Programs”

Caregivers, Physicians & Public Servants to be Presented Home Care and Hospice Excellence Awards

Media invited to awards ceremony on May 9 in Saratoga Springs, NY

Albany, May 06, 2019 — HCA is presenting awards this week to eight exceptional individuals and programs, recognizing their excellence in the home care and hospice fields across New York State.

“HCA’s award recipients are not only exemplary individuals, but each person has contributed to the home care and hospice fields in distinct ways,” said HCA President and CEO Al Cardillo. “They’ve gone to extraordinary lengths helping a particular patient on a particular day. They’ve improved a patient’s overall experience of care. And they’ve influenced broader changes in the very way that home care and hospice are delivered.” Continue reading “Caregivers, Physicians & Public Servants to be Presented Home Care and Hospice Excellence Awards”

A Statement from HCA President Al Cardillo on the Court of Appeals Opinion in Andryeyeva and Moreno

This ruling upholds the law as interpreted by the state Department of Labor, as applied by the state Department of Health, and as followed in good-faith by providers who have been directed to comply with the 13-hour rule.

HCA continues to support a structure of regulations and reimbursement that ensures proper compensation and coverage of direct-care staff.

We also continue to fervently advocate for state, federal and commercial payor reimbursement to provide wages and benefits reflecting the vital nature and value of the care our home care workers render every day.

In fact, several of our proposals have been advanced for consideration in the current state budget and legislative process. These include a set of bills that would pilot funds to support personnel needs such as transportation, child care, training and education. This package of bills would also require state agencies to conduct a competitive market and labor analysis leading to reimbursement levels necessary for competitive recruitment, retention and compensation of home care and hospice staff.

We call on the State Legislature and Governor to embrace these proposals.

Report Shows Financial, Workforce Struggles of Home & Community Care Sector Amid State Budget Talks

ALBANY — Coinciding with today’s state legislative hearing on the health and Medicaid budget, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) today released the findings of our annual financial and trends report for the home and community-based care sector, which serves approximately 500,000 patients and families in New York State.

The report is culled from the latest available state Medicaid financial reports and a survey of providers. It shows: financial margins; revenue and cost cycle and accounts receivable data; workforce turnover and vacancy rates; access issues; and more.

“The data reveals urgent vulnerabilities and needs in the vital in-home safety-net,” said HCA President Al Cardillo in prepared testimony to the Legislature today. (The report is here; HCA’s testimony is here.)

Continue reading “Report Shows Financial, Workforce Struggles of Home & Community Care Sector Amid State Budget Talks”

Home Care Association Appoints New Policy Directors to Boost Advocacy, Research Functions

ALBANY – The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) has appointed two policy directors, Alyssa Lovelace and Lauren Ford, with experience in health policy research and association advocacy to further enhance HCA’s efforts in both areas.

“Alyssa Lovelace and Lauren Ford are two exceptional and experienced health care leaders who will help HCA advance our policy and advocacy functions in several critical areas,” said HCA President and CEO Al Cardillo.  Continue reading “Home Care Association Appoints New Policy Directors to Boost Advocacy, Research Functions”

NYS Home Care Association Appoints HCA Executive Al Cardillo as President and CEO

ALBANY, NY — The Home Care Association of New York State’s (HCA) Board of Directors has appointed Al Cardillo as its next President and CEO.

“HCA is very fortunate to have Al Cardillo’s experience, level of expertise and talent from within its ranks to lead the association forward,” said HCA’s Board of Directors Chair Susan Larman, BSN, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Albany-based VNA Home Health/Visiting Nurses Home Care.

“Al has brought to HCA many years of experience and true formative involvement in the home care field encompassing nearly four decades,” she added. “Since coming to HCA in the role of Executive Vice President in 2007, HCA members have relied on Al’s knowledge and skills in program, policy, legislation, budget and advocacy. He continues and further elevates these assets in the President’s role.”

“I thank the Board of Directors for the honor and privilege of serving as HCA’s President and CEO, and for their confidence in me,” said Al Cardillo. “Each day, HCA’s members provide vital health and supportive services to hundreds of thousands of patients at home. I am proud of their work and to do all I can to support their mission.” Continue reading “NYS Home Care Association Appoints HCA Executive Al Cardillo as President and CEO”

Oct. 3 Sepsis Summit to Coordinate Response on Lethal Condition Claiming Quarter-Million U.S. Lives, Costing $27 Billion Annually 

ALBANY – HCAIPROHANYS, the Rory Staunton Foundation for Sepsis Prevention,Sepsis Alliance, and nine additional partner organizations are holding a first-of-its-kind All-Sector Sepsis Summit for health care organizations and representatives on October 3 in Albany.

Registration, a program agenda and additional information are here.

Media are invited to learn more about the human toll and health care implications of sepsis. (Media announcements about the event are also appreciated.)

The daylong program at the Albany Hilton includes top state health officials, physician experts, representatives of all health sectors, public policy and education partners, and quality and clinical experts. Capital Region media representative Benita Zahn, an anchor at WNYT NewsChannel 13, is also among the scheduled speakers. Continue reading “Oct. 3 Sepsis Summit to Coordinate Response on Lethal Condition Claiming Quarter-Million U.S. Lives, Costing $27 Billion Annually “

Home Care & Hospice Awards Go to Ten Clinicians, Caregivers, Quality Leaders, Advocates and Physicians across NYS and Nationally

HCA to present awards at 40th Annual Conference on 5/10; awardees are from NYC, Rochester, Capital Region and Washington, D.C.

At its 40th Anniversary Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY on May 10, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) is presenting its 2018 annual awards to ten exceptional home care and hospice clinicians, caregivers, leaders in quality innovation, advocates, and physicians at the state and national levels.

The awardees are listed below. For a full summary of each award winner’s accomplishments, please see our conference website at http://hcaannualconference.com/2018-award-winners/.

HCA’s two highest honors are presented to a national leader on the home care stage, as well as one of New York State’s most thoughtful and expert regulatory policymakers.

HCA’s Advocacy Award recipient is Bill Dombi, President and longtime policy leader at the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC). “Bill Dombi has influenced every significant change in the Medicare home health benefit, reimbursement, regulations and the legal frameworks governing home care over the last 30 years,” said HCA President Joanne Cunningham. “He truly is the leading home care and hospice advocate for our state, for every state, and for the country.”

HCA’s highest honor is the Ruth F. Wilson Award, named for an early organizational leader in New York’s home care system. It is being presented to Rebecca Fuller Gray, Director of the New York State Department of Health’s Division of Home and Community Based Services. “Becky Gray is not only an exceptional leader committed to doing what’s right for home care patients, but she also approaches every issue and challenge with the instincts and problem-solving acumen of a nurse, serving as a cornerstone of home care and hospice policymaking for nearly 15 years.”

Overall, HCA’s 2018 awards are among the most diverse yet, in terms of the ways that each luminary has touched the world of home care and hospice

“Our Caring Award winners represent the very best in compassionate care to patients with debilitating illnesses, rehabilitation needs and during end-of-life care,” Ms. Cunningham said. “We are also pleased to honor a home care agency leader who has invested in a unique facility to reward his workforce.”

Ms. Cunningham added: “We are also thrilled this year to recognize the specialized work of nurses who are making a difference through home-based primary care and in spearheading New York City’s first – and only – dedicated program to support the home care needs of patients recovering from gender reassignment surgery.”

For the first time, HCA is also recognizing physician champions in home care.

“Doctors play a vital role in the authorization of home care services, from the initiation of physician orders to the documentation of medical necessity and collaboration with home care providers,” Ms. Cunningham said. “Doctors Kevin Costello and John McIntyre, however, are true home care champions, very actively supporting patients at home during the often fragmented discharge-planning process from the hospital, helping home care organizations reimagine their case-conferencing of at-risk patients, raising the visibility of home care among their peer physicians, and so much more.”

Awardees

Caring Awards are being presented to:

  • Vicky Gentile, Home Health Aide at New York City-based Selfhelp Community Services
  • Amy Marshall-Uber, Home Health Aide at Eddy Licensed Home Care Agency, which is part of St. Peter’s Health Partners and serves New York’s Capital Region
  • Julio Vega, Doctor of Physical Therapy at HCR Home Care, based in Rochester, New York
  • Josh Klein, CEO of New York City-based Royal Care

‘Triple-Aim’ Quality and Innovation Awards are presented to:

  • Kim Gendron, Family Nurse Practitioner at St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates/Eddy VNA Home Based Primary Care, which serves New York’s Capital Region
  • Shannon Whittington, Interdisciplinary Care Team Manager and Director of the Gender Affirmation Program at New York City-based Visiting Nurse Service of New York

Physician Champion Awards are being presented to:

  • Kevin Costello, MD, Albany Medical Center Internal Medicine, Albany, New York
  • John “Jack” McIntyre, MD, Medical Director, HCR Home Care, based in Rochester, New York

Advocacy Award is presented to:

  • William Dombi, President and CEO of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), based in Washington, DC

Ruth F. Wilson Award is presented to:

  • Rebecca Fuller Gray, Director of the Division of Home and Community Based Services, New York State Department of Health (DOH), based in Alban

###

The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA), the state’s premier home care association, represents more than 400 providers, individuals, and associate members who collectively serve thousands of New Yorkers.

Contact:

Roger Noyes

Home Care Association of New York State

rnoyes@hcanys.org

(518) 810-0665 (office); (518) 275-6961 (cell)

HCA Testifies at Health State Budget Hearing on Behalf of Home Care, Hospice and MLTC 

Underscores adverse impact of proposed cuts, eligibility changes, structural limits and urges support for process improvements, home care licensure standards, workforce and infrastructure

ALBANY — HCA President Joanne Cunningham testified today before a joint legislative panel on the Medicaid and health areas of the state budget. Her testimony, on behalf of HCA’s home care, hospice and Managed Long Term Care providers and plans, is available at https://hca-nys.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/201819HCAStateBudgetTestimonyUpdatedFeb132018.pdf.

Of primary concern in this Executive Budget are the proposed cuts and program changes that impact MLTCs and home care, Ms. Cunningham said.

“Virtually the entire long term care Medicaid and Medicare patient population in New York State has been moved under the care of MLTCs and their providers. The Administration has removed most other options,” Ms. Cunningham said. Continue reading “HCA Testifies at Health State Budget Hearing on Behalf of Home Care, Hospice and MLTC “

HCA Issues State Legislative Proposals, Finance Report on the Home Care, Hospice and Managed Long Term Care Sectors

ALBANY — Leading up to its state advocacy day on Tuesday, February 6, the Home Care Association of New York (HCA) has issued its budget and legislative proposals for home care, hospice and Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) plans.

Accompanying these proposals is a 2018 report on the finance and program trends within the home care, hospice and MLTC sectors. This report is based on a statistical analysis of state-required financial documents, a survey of HCA’s membership, and other data sets. It provides aggregate data on financial margins, accounts-receivable balances, direct-care staffing vacancies and turnover rates, and other important findings within New York’s home care, hospice and MLTC sectors.

“The proposed state budget contains funding cuts, limits on who can access the home care system and other constraints that would further squeeze a vital but already financially stressed system, as shown in our reports and addressed by our proposals,” said HCA President Joanne Cunningham.

She added: “HCA supports the Governor’s funding for direct-care workers in home and hospice care, but providers desperately need a more efficient, workable and transparent process for disseminating adequate funds to health plans and then to providers. This is a fix that is overdue and needed now.”

“The home care system also needs urgent support to recruit and train home care staff to meet the burgeoning need for care, especially given state and federal reforms that are incentivizing a shift in care to the home,” Cunningham said. “HCA’s legislative proposals aim for a robust plan to increase and support the home care workforce.”

She added: “New York’s home care providers are also leading the way in several public health areas and we ask for the state to support this role – specifically in areas of great concern like sepsis, asthma and opioid addiction management, and health disparities. Home care providers can help bend the cost curve and improve quality in each of these public health challenges.”

“HCA’s legislative proposals also seek to sustain New York’s dedication to high standards of care provided in the home,” she said. “We urge the state to continue to enforce the laws and rules that govern who delivers this care and how it is provided. Home care providers are clinical experts in care delivery in the home and the scofflaws functioning without licensure need to be stopped.”

Both reports are linked below.

HCA’s 2018 Budget and Legislative Action Proposals 

Home Care, Hospice and Managed Long Term Care Financial and Program Trends 2018

 

Gov. Cuomo Signs Lanza-Cusick Bill Supporting Home Care & Hospice Role in Reaching Vulnerable Patients during Emergencies

ALBANY — The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) commends New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for signing a bill, S.5016-A/A.6549-A, which assures home care and hospice provider input into local emergency planning, including essential-personnel access for home care and hospice staff to reach vulnerable patients when disasters strike.

HCA also applauds the bill’s legislative sponsors, Assemblyman Michael Cusick and Senator Andrew Lanza, for their tireless efforts to develop and frame this legislation for unanimous passage in both houses of the Legislature and for support from the Governor. Both legislators saw first-hand the enormous need for coordinated response in their Staten Island districts when Superstorm Sandy devastated the region. 

For further background on the bill, please read HCA’s Memorandum of support here

“From Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, and countless major snow emergencies across New York, we’ve seen home care and hospice providers ready to serve as a vital resource to assist local emergency managers in reaching vulnerable patients who may be alone or without power at home,” said HCA President Joanne Cunningham. “These efforts could be substantially enhanced with a greater voice for home care and hospice in the emergency management planning process, including for addressing ‘essential personnel’ status, as this bill does. Home care and hospice providers applaud Assemblyman Cusick and Senator Lanza for their staunch support of this important bill, and for working vigorously with the Governor’s office to get it signed into law.”

Continue reading “Gov. Cuomo Signs Lanza-Cusick Bill Supporting Home Care & Hospice Role in Reaching Vulnerable Patients during Emergencies”

HCA Awarded NYSHealth Grant for Sepsis Screening in Community Settings 

ALBANY — Building on its work to address the risk of sepsis-related death, injury and health care cost drivers, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) has been awarded a prestigious grant from the New York State Health Foundation (NYSHealth) for training and implementation of HCA’s first-in-the-nation sepsis-intervention protocols in home care provider settings across New York State.

Sepsis—a life-threatening, often fatal bodily response—occurs when the body’s immune system turns on the body itself instead of fighting off infection. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 72% of people who contract sepsis had recently been seen by practitioners, potentially signaling a missed opportunity for recognition and timely treatment and intervention. Estimates suggest that 80% to 90% of sepsis cases occur in the community or in an individual’s home, not just in hospitals where most people are familiar with sepsis occurrence. In New York State, the number of sepsis-identified cases rose 68% from 2005 to 2011. Continue reading “HCA Awarded NYSHealth Grant for Sepsis Screening in Community Settings “

HCA, Member Providers Testify at NY Assembly Hearing on Home Care Workforce Issues

ALBANY — Today the state Assembly held a public hearing on home care workforce issues.

This hearing follows an earlier one, held last week (on February 22) in New York City. HCA sent the following statement in response to the February 22 hearing: https://hca-nys.org/policy-positions/hca-statement-state-assembly-hearing-on-home-care-workforce-issues.

Today’s HCA testimony in Albany was presented by HCA Executive Vice President Al Cardillo. The testimony can be downloaded from our website at: https://hca-nys.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Testimony-of-Home-Care-Association-of-NYS_Homecare-Workforce-Hearing-2-27-2017.pdf.

“The public health system has been reconfigured to require and rely on ready access to timely, capable and person-centered home care,” Mr. Cardillo said. “Current governmental policies and reforms are rapidly and substantially deepening this reliance.” Continue reading “HCA, Member Providers Testify at NY Assembly Hearing on Home Care Workforce Issues”

HCA Statement: State Assembly Hearing on Home Care Workforce Issues

Media urged to attend a second Assembly hearing on Monday in Albany (details are below)

HCA greatly appreciates the state Assembly’s focus on home care workforce issues during a hearing today in New York City and another hearing scheduled on Monday in Albany.

Home care workforce recruitment, retention and staffing shortages have long been a concern for providers, consumers, and aging and disabled New Yorkers.

Home care is a demanding occupation that requires a unique set of skills and aptitudes. A comprehensive set of solutions is therefore needed to support this vital workforce, along with adequate reimbursement from the state for labor and non-labor service costs at a time when home care providers and Managed Long Term Care plans alike are experiencing operating losses statewide.

Between 2010 and 2014, home care employment rose 43% in New York City. As of 2015, home health aides in New York City number 117,760, along with 71,390 personal care aides and 70,990 registered nurses in home care. Nevertheless, shortages and high turnover rates persist, causing enormous administrative cost and resource pressures for training and orientation in home care, not to mention disruption in the continuity of care. Continue reading “HCA Statement: State Assembly Hearing on Home Care Workforce Issues”

HCA Issues Home Care-Managed Care Financial Findings, State Budget Proposals

ALBANY — The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) has issued its annual financial condition report on New York’s home care and managed care systems, along with a set of vital proposals for consideration in the 2017-18 state budget. These budget proposals cover the areas of home care and managed care Medicaid payment, regulations, workforce issues, and infrastructure investment.

The financial condition report is available here and the state advocacy agenda is here. They will be featured in HCA testimony on Thursday, February 16, before a joint legislative hearing on the health and Medicaid portions of the proposed budget. Continue reading “HCA Issues Home Care-Managed Care Financial Findings, State Budget Proposals”

Alert Home Health Aide Rescues Critically Ill Palatine Bridge Woman

Home care staff provide vital supports for the elderly, as well as “eyes and ears” for emergency situations

(October 26, Albany, NY) Joanne Hogan, a home health aide from Capital Region-based Visiting Nurses Home Care, is being celebrated by her agency and peers after she obtained lifesaving emergency medical care for an elderly woman at a Palatine Bridge apartment complex. According to EMTs at the scene, Joanne’s quick action undoubtedly saved the woman’s life. Her story exemplifies the compassionate, vital, and sometimes even heroic services of home care staff who are recognized during National Home Care Month in November.  Continue reading “Alert Home Health Aide Rescues Critically Ill Palatine Bridge Woman”

Local Home Health Provider Schofield Care Trains, Equips Community to Tackle Opioid Epidemic

Schofield Care provides free training for staff and public on the use of lifesaving emergency naloxone spray

As the opioid crisis grips communities in Western New York and throughout the nation, a local provider of home care, nursing and residential care services has taken on a major community outreach effort to educate, train and equip its direct-care staff – as well as the public – on use of lifesaving Narcan spray kits that can save lives. 

Narcan is an FDA-approved nasal form of naloxone for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose. It knocks the opiate receptors in the brain, and it can be safely administered by a layperson with minimal training: Narcan does not have an effect on a person who has not taken opioids. If a drug overdose is suspected, protocols call for administering Narcan and immediately contacting emergency medical services.

“Our home care agency is proud to partner with Erie County to help deliver opioid education and Narcan training to individuals in our community,” said Schofield RN Colleen Osborn, the organization’s Director of Home Care Operations. “We offer free-of-charge programs, open to the public, and people who attend leave with samples of Narcan to help our community combat the ever-growing opioid addiction crisis.” Continue reading “Local Home Health Provider Schofield Care Trains, Equips Community to Tackle Opioid Epidemic”

As CDC Raises Alarms on Deadly Sepsis Crisis, Home Care Takes Action with New Screening Tool, Partnerships

CDC’s alarms about sepsis crisis in the community join recent high-profile sepsis-related celebrity deaths (including Mohammad Ali and Patty Duke), a rising threat, and Sepsis Awareness Month in September

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made sepsis-prevention a major focus in recent news cycles, and home care providers in New York State have been working to meet this deadly health care crisis head-on, using a first-in-the-nation, community-based screening tool piloted by the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) in partnership with clinicians and quality improvement experts from IPRO and Sepsis Alliance, who have long raised the issue of health care’s sepsis crisis.

As the CDC reported in a major media outreach campaign in late August, 72% of people who contract sepsis – an extremely life-threatening, often-fatal bodily response to infection – got the illness even though they had recently been seen by practitioners, signaling a missed opportunity for urgent treatment and intervention.

Meanwhile, estimates suggest that as much as 80% of sepsis cases occur in the community or in an individual’s home, not just in hospitals where most people are familiar with sepsis occurrence. In New York State, the number of sepsis cases rose 68% from 2005 to 2011. Sepsis is also the single most expensive condition nationwide and the number-one driver of hospital readmissions in New York State. (See the end of this press release for more sepsis facts and resource links.) Continue reading “As CDC Raises Alarms on Deadly Sepsis Crisis, Home Care Takes Action with New Screening Tool, Partnerships”

Home Care Campaign Delivers Voter Information, Ballot Applications to Thousands of Patients So They Can Vote From Home

Bring The Vote Home-New York is part of nationwide effort to help patients vote if they have a chronic illness or disability that makes it difficult to get to the polls on Election Day

The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) has embarked on a new home care voter outreach campaign called Bring The Vote Home-NY, delivering thousands of voter materials to home care agencies so these agencies can assist their patients with voting from home.

HCA has so far delivered over 10,000 packets to participating home care agencies throughout New York State, with many other home care agencies preparing their own materials to deliver to patients.

Home care patients include the chronically ill, frail-elderly, and persons with disabilities. Many of these individuals are homebound, or their illness makes it difficult to travel to the polls on Election Day. Continue reading “Home Care Campaign Delivers Voter Information, Ballot Applications to Thousands of Patients So They Can Vote From Home”

Women Healthcare Leaders Invited to Inaugural ‘Women in Healthcare Leadership Summit’ on Sept. 28-29 in Saratoga Springs

Media: Please include on calendar listings, event blurbs, or consider other advance press coverage

For Immediate Release: July 25, 2016

Contact: Roger Noyes (518) 275-6961 (cell); (518) 810-0665 (office)

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Top-tier, nationally recognized women thought-leaders, communications experts, researchers, authors and popular-media voices will share their wisdom and skills as part of the inaugural Women in Healthcare Leadership Summit on September 28 and 29 in Saratoga Springs.

The summit is sponsored by the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) – but this conference is not just for home health representatives. It offers universal skills and insights to empower women executives in all healthcare subsectors: business and finance; lobbying; government policymaking; strategy consulting; law; and other areas where women leaders aspire to enhance their talents, skills and leadership potential within healthcare. To register, download a brochure, learn more about the summit or become a sponsor at the summit, please visit https://hca-nys.org/general-news/hcas-first-ever-women-in-healthcare-leadership-summit-sept-28-29-in-saratoga. Continue reading “Women Healthcare Leaders Invited to Inaugural ‘Women in Healthcare Leadership Summit’ on Sept. 28-29 in Saratoga Springs”

NY, PA Home Care Associations and State Colleagues Gather in D.C. Targeting Medicare Home Health Cuts, Onerous Mandates

Gathering is part of the first-ever state home care association-led Public Policy Summit and Capitol Hill Advocacy Day on July 12-13

For immediate release: July 12, 2016

Contact:

HCA Communications Director Roger Noyes: (518) 275-6961 (cell); (518) 810-0665 (office)

PHA Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Haggerty: (570) 510-5731 (cell); (717) 975-9448, ext. 22 (office) 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – State home care associations from around the nation, including New York and Pennsylvania, are converging on Washington, D.C. this week (July 12 and 13) for the first-ever Public Policy Summit and Capitol Hill Advocacy Day.

The program is sponsored by the Council of State Home Care Associations. It includes policy discussions, presentations from federal bureaus on regulatory and payment issues, insights from D.C. political insiders, and advocacy visits with lawmakers.

The home care associations representing New York State and Pennsylvania are among the leading participants. Executives from the associations have outlined a robust federal advocacy agenda for the Council, its member associations, and individual home care agencies attending.

“July is a perfect time for state home care associations and their members to get the attention of lawmakers and federal officials on core payment and regulatory issues,” said Vicki Hoak, Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Homecare Association (PHA) and chair of the Council of State Home Care Associations, which collectively includes 37 constituent state associations representing home health care providers in their regions. “This first-ever summit brings hundreds of provider representatives to Washington, along with the leadership of their state home care associations, for a collective voice and problem-solving.” Continue reading “NY, PA Home Care Associations and State Colleagues Gather in D.C. Targeting Medicare Home Health Cuts, Onerous Mandates”

Statement from Coalition of Healthcare Providers: Any Minimum Wage Increase Must Be Fully Funded 

For immediate release: March 21, 2016

A Statement from HCA, LeadingAge NY, the Healthcare Association of New York State and the New York State Health Facilities Association

Statement from Coalition of Healthcare Providers: Any Minimum Wage Increase Must Be Fully Funded 

The proposed minimum wage hike must not and cannot reasonably move forward without funding to fully offset its costs.

The minimum wage should only be allowed to rise to a level fully matched by immediate funding for the cost impact on providers, as calculated by our healthcare coalition in a rigorous methodology shared extensively with the State Legislature and Governor’s office.

Additionally, the state must provide full funding for each incremental increase of the minimum wage. Continue reading “Statement from Coalition of Healthcare Providers: Any Minimum Wage Increase Must Be Fully Funded “

Statement on the Assembly and Senate One-House Budget Bills

NEWS FROM THE HOME CARE ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK STATE (HCA)
For immediate Release: March 14, 2016
Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 275-6961 (cell), or (518) 810-0665 (office)
Download official release at: https://hca-nys.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/PROneHouseBudgets031416.pdf

Statement from Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) President Joanne Cunningham on the Assembly and Senate One-House Budget Bills

While we await the availability of each house’s budget resolutions, thus far we see elements in the Assembly and Senate budget bills that are a step in the right direction, and we thank the Legislature for their ear and support. However, given the mammoth issues at stake in this budget, there remain a lot of moving pieces that need to fall into place for a full picture of home care’s status.

The Senate bill opposes the Governor’s minimum wage proposal. Though negotiations are ongoing, we appreciate the Senate’s recognition of the wage impact on home care and other sectors, and we urge its continued recognition of this impact in the next stages of negotiations. Continue reading “Statement on the Assembly and Senate One-House Budget Bills”

Get the Facts: Minimum Wage Hike and its $2.19 Billion Impact for Home Care

For immediate Release: March 1, 2016

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 275-6961 (cell), or (518) 810-0665 (office)

ALBANY – If it remains unfunded, the Governor’s $15 minimum wage proposal will be catastrophic for home care providers whose reimbursement is provided substantially by Medicaid and Medicare for elderly individuals and families already struggling to afford services.

Medicaid is capped. Home care cuts have been worsened by new cost increases and little to no support, accordingly. Now, home care faces another multi-billion-dollar unfunded wage mandate within these confines. Continue reading “Get the Facts: Minimum Wage Hike and its $2.19 Billion Impact for Home Care”

Home Care and Hospital Associations Applaud Senator Hannon’s ‘Hospital-Home Care-Physician Collaboration Program’ in State Budget

For Immediate Release: April 20, 2015

Contact:
Roger Noyes (HCA) (518) 810-0665
Stacy Connors (IHA) (518) 348-7443

ALBANY, NY – To promote health care system integration, State Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau) has advanced an important new program in this year’s state budget that supports home health care providers, hospitals and physicians as they work together on collaborative models.

The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) and the Iroquois Healthcare Alliance (IHA) – which represent home care providers statewide and hospitals and health systems in the upstate region, respectively – applaud the Senator for his sponsorship of this vital initiative and look forward to continuing to work with the Senator on program implementation post-budget.

This initiative was previously introduced as standalone legislation (S.1110) and later adopted as a new program in the state budget, complementing related state health care policies. It specifically creates and devotes a statute within the Public Health Law to support “Hospital-Home Care-Physician Collaboration” programs. Such collaboratives could also include long term care facilities, behavioral health, supportive housing and other interdisciplinary providers.

“Collaboration among health care providers is essential to good care,” said Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau). “For patients who require care at home, collaboration must include the home health care providers as this program does.” Continue reading “Home Care and Hospital Associations Applaud Senator Hannon’s ‘Hospital-Home Care-Physician Collaboration Program’ in State Budget”

SGR Fix Must Also Repair Damaging Face-to-Face Mandate Plaguing Home Care Providers and Physicians Alike

For Immediate Release: March 19, 2015

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 810-0665 office, (518) 275-6961 cell

Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham: SGR Fix Must Also Repair Damaging Face-to-Face Mandate Plaguing Home Care Providers and Physicians Alike

The SGR bill now being negotiated in Congress rightly fixes the chronic issue of physician underpayment. Unfortunately, it appears that the measure, at present, declines to address another longstanding concern that has plagued the home care industry, complicated its relationship with physicians, and left access to care hanging in the balance.

The history of the physician ‘face-to-face’ rule for Medicare home health is a contorted one. While HCA supports the rule’s intent in a broad sense – to better involve physicians in the planning and oversight of home care services – both Congress and the home care industry agree that the execution of this rule by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has been confusing, administratively duplicative, costly, an undue burden on access to care, and well outside the statutory expectations of the Affordable Care Act, as 75 Members of Congress so stated in a letter to CMS in 2013. Continue reading “SGR Fix Must Also Repair Damaging Face-to-Face Mandate Plaguing Home Care Providers and Physicians Alike”

Lourdes At Home Therapy Team Wins Statewide ‘Home Care Proud’ Contest for National Home Care Month

For Immediate Release: January 13, 2015

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 810-0665 office, (518) 275-6961 cell

The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) has awarded Binghamton-based Lourdes At Home as the winner of HCA’s “Home Care Proud” Contest in recognition of National Home Care Month.

In November, for National Home Care Month, HCA launched a contest asking home care providers to tell us what makes them “Home Care Proud.” Lourdes at Home, who submitted the winning entry for HCA’s contest, provides in-home nursing, therapy, home health aide, social work and other services to keep patients in Broome County healthy at home, where patients want to be, and to help patients avoid hospitalizations, ER visits, or premature nursing-home admission. Continue reading “Lourdes At Home Therapy Team Wins Statewide ‘Home Care Proud’ Contest for National Home Care Month”

Feds Issue Biggest Medicare Home Health Service Cuts in Decades, Beginning January 1

For Immediate Release: December 9, 2013

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 810-0665 office, (518) 275-6961 cell

ALBANY — On January 1, Medicare home health services face the biggest payment changes since the Budget Control Act of 1997, which caused home health agencies to shoulder enormous losses and led to widespread program closures.

Newly finalized payment changes for 2014 risk a repeat of history if federal policymakers do not act now to delay $800 million in Medicare home health cuts set to go into effect nationally over the next four years.

Continue reading “Feds Issue Biggest Medicare Home Health Service Cuts in Decades, Beginning January 1”

HCA Seeks Passage of Bills Supporting Home Care’s Role in Medicaid Redesign

For Immediate Release: June 11, 2013

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 810-0665 office, (518) 275-6961 cell

ALBANY — As the 2013 state legislative session winds to a close, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) urges the Senate and Assembly to adopt vital measures that support the state’s Medicaid Redesign efforts for home care. These bills would specifically offer regulatory relief/flexibility, program sustainability, and clarity in the roles of home care providers and Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) plans as they work jointly to serve patients.

Continue reading “HCA Seeks Passage of Bills Supporting Home Care’s Role in Medicaid Redesign”

In Testimony at Budget Hearing Today, HCA Urges Home Care Regulatory Relief, Transition Support, Fiscal Stability

For Immediate Release: January 30, 2013

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 810-0665 office, (518) 275-6961 cell

ALBANY — Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) President Joanne Cunningham today presented testimony before the Joint Legislative Hearing on Medicaid and the Budget where she focused on the urgent need for home care regulatory relief, transition support, and a stable fiscal environment in this year’s budget and legislative session.

Continue reading “In Testimony at Budget Hearing Today, HCA Urges Home Care Regulatory Relief, Transition Support, Fiscal Stability”

Home Care Community Issues Plan Calling for Policies to Better Assure Success of State’s Two-Year Medicaid Redesign Project

For immediate Release: January 28, 2013

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 810-0665 office, (518) 275-6961 cell

ALBANY — During its 2013 State Advocacy Day today, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) is issuing a Three-Point Plan to Support Home Care and Ensure Success of State Redesign Efforts. The plan urges action on a series of proposals designed so that New York’s home care system can be a viable source of support for major ongoing state Medicaid redesign efforts. The plan calls for:

  • Home care transition support so that providers can effectively and efficiently contract with managed care plans, as the state’s Medicaid redesign policies intend.

Continue reading “Home Care Community Issues Plan Calling for Policies to Better Assure Success of State’s Two-Year Medicaid Redesign Project”

HCA Report: Cuts Plunge NY Home Care Agencies Further in the Red

For immediate Release: January 21, 2013

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 810-0665 office, (518) 275-6961 cell

ALBANY — The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) today released its 2013 Report on the Fiscal Health of Home Care in New York State which shows that state Medicaid cuts and rising costs have driven home care agencies deeper into the red in 2011, the most recent year of data available.

Alarmingly, while the median operating losses of home care agencies worsened at a steady rate from 2009 to 2010, these losses took a severe turn in 2011 — coinciding with $1 billion in unprecedented state Medicaid cuts to home care over two years coupled with the state’s initiation of new long term care policy changes that risk compromise to home care providers financially if appropriate transition measures are not instituted during this year’s state legislative session.

Continue reading “HCA Report: Cuts Plunge NY Home Care Agencies Further in the Red”

New Study Quantifies Value of Home Care Programs In Reducing Hospital Readmissions and Costs

For immediate Release: November 28, 2012

For More Information

Kristy Wright (Simone Healthcare Consultants), (724) 679-6675

Roger Noyes (HCA), (518) 810-0665

As hospitals look to reduce their rates of readmission and avoid consequent Medicare penalties, a new study by Simione Healthcare Consultants profiles five innovative programs developed by home care agencies to substantially lessen the need for patients to return to the hospital for treatment.

The study, prepared by Simione in partnership with the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA), specifically found that innovative care-transitions programs for a defined group of high-risk patients at just five of New York State’s approximately 230 Medicare-certified home health agencies saved $1.2 million in averted hospital expenses annually by reducing each agency’s 30-day readmission rate, a key quality metric in federal health reform efforts. Continue reading “New Study Quantifies Value of Home Care Programs In Reducing Hospital Readmissions and Costs”

Home Care Association Presents Caring Award to St. Francis Home Health Aide Patricia Scully

For immediate Release: May 24, 2012

Contact:

St. Francis Home Care Services: Nicole Peluse (845) 431-8291

HCA: Roger Noyes (518) 810-0665

For countless reasons, St. Francis Home Care Services home health aide Patricia Scully is an ideal caregiver.

Her compassion and outstanding dedication to patients are among the many traits that earned her the “Caring Award” from the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) during a special ceremony on May 9. This award recognizes a caregiver in the home care field who “has exhibited the compassion, skills and service that sets their contribution apart or whose actions on a particular day or over a period of time exemplify caring in home care.” Continue reading “Home Care Association Presents Caring Award to St. Francis Home Health Aide Patricia Scully”

A Statement by Home Care Association of New York State President Joanne Cunningham on the Governor’s Announcement of MRT Savings

For immediate Release: May 1, 2012

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 275-6961 (cell), or (518) 810-0665 (office)

Today the Governor’s office announced Medicaid home care spending reductions of $300 million spurred by the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) process. Thoughtful reforms must meet the twin goals of cost-saving and enhanced care. However, the $300 million in Medicaid home care savings announced today largely reflect straightforward program cuts and unfunded mandates alone. We have yet to see what the MRT’s policies ultimately mean for patient care. This outcome will only become clearer in the months and years ahead as some of the more dramatic MRT-initiated infrastructure changes affecting home care are ultimately put in motion. Many of these initiatives have yet to gain federal approval, have yet to be fully detailed or effectively modeled by the state, and, thus, have yet to be tested.

###

A Statement by Home Care Association of New York State President Joanne Cunningham on the State’s Care Coordination Guidelines                                  

For immediate Release: November 16, 2011

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 275-6961 (cell), or (518) 810-0665 (office)

This week the Cuomo Administration issued new guidelines dictating the type of organizations solely authorized to enroll Medicaid patients needing more than 120 days of home care services. HCA vehemently opposes this action which undermines the core of New York State’s long term home care system and could jeopardize the continuity of services for the vast majority of New Yorkers now receiving long term care at home.  Continue reading “A Statement by Home Care Association of New York State President Joanne Cunningham on the State’s Care Coordination Guidelines                                  “

During Hurricane Response, Home Care Providers Take Action for New York’s Vulnerable Patients

For immediate Release: August 31, 2011

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 275-6961 (cell), or (518) 810-0665 (office)

In the devastation of Hurricane Irene, home care agencies and their direct-care personnel are playing a crucial role to help those in need before, during, and after the storm.

“Home care providers and their staff are the eyes, ears and voice for many of New York’s vulnerable patients during an emergency,” said HCA President Joanne Cunningham, noting that, while the public is familiar with the important work of emergency management first responders, home care agencies have a unique role in emergency preparedness and response that may not be widely known. Continue reading “During Hurricane Response, Home Care Providers Take Action for New York’s Vulnerable Patients”

HCA and Legislative Commission on Rural Resources Advance Initiatives to Support Home Care in Rural Areas

For immediate Release: June 2, 2011

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 275-6961 (cell), or (518) 810-0665 (office)

The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) is working with the joint Legislative Commission on Rural Resources to advance initiatives aimed at supporting home care services in rural New York at a time of enormous challenges for rural areas and for rural health systems which rely on these critical access community-based programs. Continue reading “HCA and Legislative Commission on Rural Resources Advance Initiatives to Support Home Care in Rural Areas”

A Statement by Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) President Joanne Cunningham on the Final 2011 State Budget

For Immediate Release: March 30, 2011

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 810-0665 office, (518) 275-6961 cell

“This budget is catastrophic for New York’s home care system. It will bring ruin to longstanding home care programs, allows unprecedented government intrusion into home care business operations on a scale unknown to any other area of health care, and it aims a half-billion dollars in unsustainable cuts at an already financially fragile home care service delivery system that is, ironically, saving hundreds of millions of Medicaid dollars to begin with.” Continue reading “A Statement by Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) President Joanne Cunningham on the Final 2011 State Budget”

HCA Testifies at Hearing Against $1 Billion Assault on Home Care

For Immediate Release: March 3, 2011

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 810-0665 office, (518) 275-6961 cell

HCA President Joanne Cunningham today delivered testimony before a joint hearing of the Senate Finance and Assembly Ways and Means Committees urging the Legislature’s rejection of the disastrous, disproportionate and lethal home care reductions and unfunded wage mandates in the package recently approved by the Cuomo Administration-led Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT): a $1 billion impact to home care, according to updated estimates. Continue reading “HCA Testifies at Hearing Against $1 Billion Assault on Home Care”

A Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham on Governor Cuomo’s Budget

For Immediate Release: February 1, 2011

Contact: Roger Noyes, (518) 810-0665

Today Governor Cuomo released a budget containing billions in unprecedented Medicaid reductions, cutting at the heart of New York’s health care system.

While providing no details as to how exactly these destructive cuts would be spread across the health delivery system, the Governor’s budget speech did, however, single out home care using misinformation and politically-motivated rhetoric, again neglecting crucial facts.

Continue reading “A Statement by HCA President Joanne Cunningham on Governor Cuomo’s Budget”