Res. No. 651

Resolution urging the New York State Legislature to adopt a bill that establishes a minimum staffing level requirement in nursing homes.

By Council Members Báez, Avella, Barron, Clarke, Fidler, Foster, Gerson, Jackson, James, Nelson, Quinn, Recchia Jr., Sanders Jr., Seabrook, Stewart, Vann, Yassky, Gonzalez and Lopez

Whereas, A 2002 report by the Health Care Financing Administration (now known as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) found that 98% of the nursing homes in New York State did not have sufficient nursing staff to care for residents’ basic needs; and

Whereas, Nearly one-quarter of all nursing homes in New York State are located in New York City; and

Whereas, Nursing staff assist with the daily activities of nursing home residents, such as bathing, grooming, and eating, in addition to attending to the medical needs of each resident; and

Whereas, Thirty-three states, not including New York, have passed laws that set forth minimum staffing levels in nursing homes; and

Whereas, The New York State Legislature currently has before it bills S-2304, A-5490, and S-3190A and its companion bill, A-7200A, which would establish minimum staffing levels in New York State nursing homes; and

Whereas, The Committee on Aging recently held a hearing on the impact of nursing home staffing levels on resident care, and found, based on the testimony, that having insufficient nursing staff jeopardizes the health and well being of the residents and hinders the nursing staff’s ability to provide adequate care; and

Whereas, Implementing an adequate minimum staffing standard diminishes the risk of harms caused by understaffing; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State legislature to adopt a bill that establishes minimum staffing levels for New York State nursing homes.

(AT)

LS # 1860

October 20, 2004