April 4, 2007

CARIE Policy Update and Meeting Cancellation

Quote of the Month
“We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily difference we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.” – Marian Wright Edelman

Assisted Living and Personal Care Homes
The Department of Public Welfare (DPW) recently released data indicating that 73% of Pennsylvania’s personal care homes are operating with expired licenses since DPW is behind in completing inspections. This means that 1,190 of Pennsylvania’s 1,589 personal care homes do not have a current license. Secretary Richman reported at a Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee hearing that she expects it will take until the end of the year for DPW to catch-up with this backlog. She also stated that she has requested funding for 10 additional inspectors for next fiscal year. DPW currently has 32 inspectors. At a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Secretary Richman announced plans to create a “QA unit” (quality assurance) that she hopes to be operational in the next few months.

It is expected that a number of bills regarding assisted living will be introduced this legislative session. Representative Watson has once again introduced her assisted living bill, House Bill 375.  Unfortunately, it still has not made needed improvements from last session to ensure consumer rights. Senator Vance recently introduced Senate Bill 704 and this bill also falls short in provided consumers with needed protections. On April 11, there will be a joint hearing of the House Aging and Youth and Health and Human Services Committees to obtain stakeholder input about personal care homes.

Privatization of Long Term Care Assessments Proposed
The new Chairs of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, Chairwoman Phyllis Mundy, D-Luzerne, and Minority Chairman Tim Hennessey, R-Chester, recently reported some of the issues they expect to be the Committee’s priority this session. In addition to the need to pass a licensing bill for assisted living facilities, the proposal to privatize long term care assessments currently completed by Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) is also of major concern. Rendell’s 2007-08 budget proposal to transfer $7 million from the Lottery Fund to cover the Aging Department's operational costs is another issue the Committee plans to explore.

The Rendell’s administration surprise proposal to privatize long term care assessments has drawn a lot of criticism from legislators and stakeholders. An article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette describes the plan.  As a result of concerns about the proposal, the administration promised to hold off on its plans to issue an RFP (Request for Proposals) to have a new agency take over the assessment function provided by the 52 AAAs across the state. Secretary Dowd Eisenhower’s testimony before the Senate Aging and Youth Committee is now posted on the Department of Aging’s website.

Elder Justice Act
On March 29th, the Elder Justice Act was reintroduced in both the House and Senate. The primary sponsors of S. 1070 are Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR). The primary sponsors of the House bill, H.R. 1783, are Representatives Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and Peter King (R-NY). One of the major purposes of the Elder Justice Act is to provide a dedicated funding source for adult protective services (APS). The Elder Justice Act would be to states' APS what federal law is to states' child protective services programs in that it will provide funding for victim services, technical assistance to APS and a federal focus on elder abuse. To access the text of both bills and other information, visit the Elder Justice Coalition’s website. 

Just the Links.....
The following are links to potential resources or documents of interest:

• Over five million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new Alzheimer’s Association report, “Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures 2007.” 
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report, “The State of Aging and Health in America 2007.”
• The Joint Commission released a report, “What Did the Doctor Say?:” Improving Health Literacy to Protect Patient Safety. 
• Download or order a free copy of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s “2007 Medical Cost Reference Guide” providing comprehensive data on such topics as health spending, utilization, and emerging trends. 
• The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a new section of its website that includes contract and enrollment data about Medicaid and Part D plans as well as contact information. CMS plans to update the directories every month.
• A one-page overview of the President’s FY 2008 budget proposal for Medicaid, Medicare and the Older Americans Act may be found at the National Academy on an Aging Society’s website.  
• The University of Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Medicaid Policy Center has released a report, “Faces of the Pennsylvania Medicaid Program.”
• The Pennsylvania Depart of Aging has posted guidance on Level of Care Assessments (LOCA).

April Meeting Cancellation
The Legislative Committee’s April meeting has been cancelled! The Committee will resume its normal schedule in May so the next meeting will be held on May 3, 2007.  As always, don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I’m always interested in hearing any feedback you may have. Have a happy holiday and spring!
Thanks,
Kathy