135.000 HOME HEALTH CARE

(See also Reimbursement, 265.000) 

135.992           Patient Driven Groupings Model (PDGM)

The Medical Society of the State of New York will work with the American Medical Association to monitor implementation of the Patient Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) methodology to determine whether this new program will impose additional administrative burdens on physicians certifying home care services for their patients and /or whether it will impede patients from receiving needed home care services.  Should it be determined that this new Patient Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) methodology program is creating new administrative burdens or patient access issues, the Medical Society of the State of New York will convey those concerns to the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services and Congress for remediation. (Amended and adopted, Council, November 2019)

135.993           Taskforce on Home Care Services

The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) and the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) shall form a taskforce to collaborate and assess issues relating to:

(1) community physician involvement in the development of care plans for home care

services;

(2) the transmission of clinical information;

(3) non-reimbursement resulting from delayed requests for physician orders;

(4) and administrative inefficiencies.

The results and recommendations of the taskforce and collaboration between MSSNY and HCA shall be reported to the Long Term Care Subcommittee of the Quality Committee for further action such as educational, regulatory or legislative changes. (HOD 2016-118)

135.994           Support of Three Point Legislative Plan for Home Care

MSSNY backs the Three Point Plan to Support and Ensure Success Of State Redesign Efforts (transition support, regulatory relief, and stable fiscal environment) and supports efforts to keep MSSNY’s Long Term Care Subcommittee members informed of the progress being made in this endeavor.  (HOD 2013-114; Reaffirmed HOD 2023; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

135.995           Home Attendant Ability to Instill Eye Drops:  (HOD 2008-107; SUNSET HOD 2018)

135.996           Home Health Care Services in New York State:

The MSSNY Council adopted a position statement of Home Health Care Services in New York State which called on the State to develop a Home Care Policy Plan and to address the critical manpower shortage in home care.  The position statement endorsed the following principles:  (1)  Home care enhances the quality of life, promoting independence and the availability of choice;  (2)  Home care should be accessible and available to all persons regard-less of their financial ability to pay;  (3)  Home care should maintain reasonable standards of quality care and be fully integrated with all the other components of the health care delivery system;  (4)  All orders emanating from home care agencies that pertain to the care and management of the individual patient should be under the direct supervision and control of the attending physician.  This alludes to all orders for any type of medical care rendered to patients, particularly to those confined to the home.  It is the responsibility of the individual physician to see that such orders are completely executed.  (Council 7/21/88; Reaffirmed HOD 2013; Reaffirmed HOD 2023; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

135.997           Tax Deduction for Long Term Home Health Care:

MSSNY supports legislation which would provide a New York State and federal tax deduction for individuals rendering home care to family members with a long term illness.  (HOD 1988-79; Reaffirmed HOD 2013; Reaffirmed HOD 2023; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

135.998           Elderly – Home Health Care:

MSSNY supports the concept that reimbursement for home health care for the elderly be provided on a twenty-four hour a day basis, seven days a week, if required for the adequate care of the patient and to prevent the institutionalization of such patient for reasons not requiring institutional care.  (HOD 1980-37; Reaffirmed HOD 2013; Reaffirmed HOD 2023; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)

135.999           Home Health Care Services:

MSSNY encourages the stimulation of physician interest in, and acceptance of home care as an integral part of the overall continuum of medical care.  We also emphasize the need for medical schools and internship programs to educate medical students, interns, residents, and practicing physicians in the value and proper use of home health care programs.  Hospital boards and medical staffs should encourage community interest in support of home health care programs.  Community health planning agencies should have representation from organizations concerned with providing home care services; and practicing physicians should involve themselves in developing home health care programs along with community health planning agencies.

MSSNY supports the concept that all home health agencies, voluntary or proprietary, should be subject to the same controls, regulations, and standards.  MSSNY also supports the concept that the physician is responsible for monitoring the home health care of his patients, or for the transferal of this responsibility to another physician.  (Council 9/14/77; Reaffirmed HOD 2013; Reaffirmed HOD 2023; Reaffirmed HOD 2024)