New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04839

Introduced
2/6/25  
Refer
2/6/25  

Caption

Requires OPWDD to purchase and provide essential personal protection equipment to all direct support professionals, care recipients and group home providers in the event of a declaration of a state emergency that relates to public health.

Summary

Bill A04839 amends the mental hygiene law to require the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to purchase and provide essential personal protective equipment (PPE) to direct support professionals, care recipients, and group home providers during a public health emergency declared by the state. The bill outlines specific responsibilities for the OPWDD, including the timely provision of PPE within thirty days of a state declaration, adherence to clinical best practices, and ensuring that PPE is replaced and replenished as needed to maintain effectiveness.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would enhance the state's preparedness for public health emergencies by ensuring that essential personnel and vulnerable populations have access to necessary protective equipment. It would amend existing mental hygiene laws to formalize the OPWDD's role in PPE distribution, potentially improving health outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities during emergencies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04839 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities and health care professionals. There is recognition of the importance of PPE in safeguarding both care providers and recipients during health crises, especially in light of recent public health challenges.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the bill's implementation logistics, such as the speed and efficiency of PPE distribution and the adequacy of funding for these provisions. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the potential burden on the OPWDD and the need for clear guidelines on PPE standards and usage.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S1322

Providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a public health "State of Emergency" declaration

NY HF1144

Commissioner of human services directed to seek federal authority to provide supportive parenting services to people eligible for personal care assistance or community first services and supports, and commissioner directed to seek federal waivers.

NY H2156

Providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a declared public health state of emergency

NY S09192

Provides that it is unlawful for any person to directly or indirectly own, operate, or control the whole or any part of a health insurance company and a health care provider; requires divestment within three years.

NY A09225

Provides that it is unlawful for any person to directly or indirectly own, operate, or control the whole or any part of a health insurance company and a health care provider; requires divestment within three years.

NY SB136

Make an appropriation for grants to support the purchase of personal protective equipment by volunteer fire departments and to declare an emergency.

NY SB00287

An Act Requiring Home Health Aide Agencies To Provide Certain Personal Protective Equipment To Home Health Aides.

NY A01130

Establishes the statewide group home families working group; provides that duties include informing and advising the commissioner as to matters of importance for persons with developmental disabilities residing in group homes and their families and guardians, providing recommendations for statewide and regional priorities and goals for individuals residing in group homes and families and guardians of individuals residing in group homes, advising the commissioner on such other matters related to group homes as the statewide group home families working group deems relevant, holding regional public meetings to solicit and receive input from residents of group homes and family members and guardians of residents of group homes, and any matter relating to the performance of their duties with relation to individuals in group homes and on policies, Establishes the statewide group home families working group; provides that duties include informing and advising the commissioner as to matters of importance for persons with developmental disabilities residing in group homes and their families and guardians, providing recommendations for statewide and regional priorities and goals for individuals residing in group homes and families and guardians of individuals residing in group homes, advising the commissioner on such other matters related to group homes as the statewide group home families working group deems relevant, holding public meetings to solicit and receive input from residents of group homes and family members and guardians of residents of group homes, and any matter relating to the performance of their duties with relation to individuals in group homes and on policies, goals, budget and operation of group homes.

NY S07794

Establishes the statewide group home families working group; provides that duties include informing and advising the commissioner as to matters of importance for persons with developmental disabilities residing in group homes and their families and guardians, providing recommendations for statewide and regional priorities and goals for individuals residing in group homes and families and guardians of individuals residing in group homes, advising the commissioner on such other matters related to group homes as the statewide group home families working group deems relevant, holding regional public meetings to solicit and receive input from residents of group homes and family members and guardians of residents of group homes, and any matter relating to the performance of their duties with relation to individuals in group homes and on policies, Establishes the statewide group home families working group; provides that duties include informing and advising the commissioner as to matters of importance for persons with developmental disabilities residing in group homes and their families and guardians, providing recommendations for statewide and regional priorities and goals for individuals residing in group homes and families and guardians of individuals residing in group homes, advising the commissioner on such other matters related to group homes as the statewide group home families working group deems relevant, holding public meetings to solicit and receive input from residents of group homes and family members and guardians of residents of group homes, and any matter relating to the performance of their duties with relation to individuals in group homes and on policies, goals, budget and operation of group homes.

NY SB00123

An Act Concerning Public Hearings For Certain Rate Increases At Assisted Living Facilities, Municipal Agents For Aging, Emergency Power Generator Requirements For Certain Multifamily Housing Projects, Personal Protective Equipment For Home Health Aide Employees, The Nursing Home Bed Moratorium And Nursing Home Resident Data.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.