S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
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1702
2011-2012 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
January 11, 2011
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Introduced by M. of A. DINOWITZ, ROBINSON, LUPARDO -- Multi-Sponsored by
-- M. of A. BARRON -- read once and referred to the Committee on Aging
AN ACT to amend the elder law, in relation to requiring establishment of
model community programs for local agencies, including a model tele-
phone reassurance program and a model visiting program for elders
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
1 Section 1. The elder law is amended by adding a new section 203-a to
2 read as follows:
3 S 203-A. MODEL COMMUNITY PROGRAMS. IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOP-
4 MENT OF ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE AGING WITH DIGNITY IN
5 COMMUNITIES, THE OFFICE SHALL DEVELOP MODEL COMMUNITY PROGRAMS TO BE
6 DISTRIBUTED UPON REQUEST TO LOCAL AREA AGENCIES ON AGING AND COMMUNITY
7 BASED ORGANIZATIONS. SUCH MODEL COMMUNITY PROGRAMS SHALL INCLUDE THE
8 FOLLOWING:
9 1. A MODEL TELEPHONE REASSURANCE PROGRAM SHALL BE DEVELOPED TO PROVIDE
10 FOR THE FOLLOWING:
11 (A) PHONE CALLS BY THE ORGANIZATION MAINTAINING THE PROGRAM TO PARTIC-
12 IPATING SENIORS AT AN AGREED UPON TIME EACH DAY;
13 (B) A SECONDARY CONTACT, WHERE APPLICABLE, TO BE CONTACTED IF THE
14 SENIOR DOES NOT ANSWER THE INITIAL CALL AND BEFORE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
15 ARE CONTACTED;
16 (C) COORDINATION WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO ENSURE AN APPROPRIATE
17 RESPONSE IN THE EVENT THE SENIOR CANNOT BE CONTACTED;
18 (D) ADVANCE CONSENT TO ACCESS TO THE HOME BY LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO
19 DETERMINE THE STATUS OF THE SENIOR IF CONTACT WITH THE SENIOR COULD NOT
20 BE MADE; AND
21 (E) INCREASED COORDINATION BETWEEN THE SENIORS UTILIZING THE PROGRAM
22 AND PROGRAM OPERATORS TO REDUCE INCIDENTS RESULTING IN UNNECESSARY LAW
23 ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE.
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04508-01-1
A. 1702 2
1 2. A MODEL VISITING PROGRAM SHALL BE DEVELOPED TO PROVIDE SENIORS WITH
2 A VISITOR WHO CAN OFFER CONTACT ON A REGULAR BASIS AND COMPANIONSHIP FOR
3 SENIORS WHO LACK A NETWORK OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.
4 THE MODEL VISITING PROGRAM SHALL INCLUDE:
5 (A) METHODS TO OBTAIN VOLUNTEERS INCLUDING BY PARTNERING WITH LOCAL
6 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS;
7 (B) SYSTEMS TO SCREEN VOLUNTEERS TO BOTH ENSURE A GOOD MATCH AND
8 PROTECT SENIORS INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAM;
9 (C) SYSTEMS TO PERIODICALLY CHECK ON BOTH VOLUNTEERS AND THE SENIORS;
10 AND
11 (D) RESPONSES TO PROBLEMS THAT MAY ARISE.
12 S 2. This act shall take effect immediately.