New York Assembly Bill A10310

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/26
• Refer: 2/20/26
• Report Pass: 4/21/26
• Refer: 4/21/26

Caption

Requires residential health care facilities to maintain hospice agreements to ensure access to hospice services for eligible residents.

Impact

This legislation seeks to improve the quality of care for residents in health care facilities by formalizing the connection between these facilities and hospice services. By mandating coordinated agreements, the bill aims to enhance the overall experience and support for residents at the end of life. It is anticipated that such agreements will facilitate better communication and continuity of care, ultimately impacting how health care facilities manage transitions to hospice services.

Summary

Bill A10310 proposes amendments to the public health law requiring residential health care facilities in New York to maintain written agreements with hospice programs. These agreements are intended to ensure that eligible residents have timely access to hospice services when they choose to utilize the hospice benefit. The bill explicitly outlines the responsibilities of both the healthcare facilities and the hospice programs in coordinating care, spanning various aspects such as evaluation, referral, symptom management, and clinical oversight.

Contention

While proponents of A10310 argue that ensuring access to hospice services is essential for enhancing the quality of life for terminal patients, critics may raise concerns regarding the logistical and financial implications for residential health care facilities. The implementation of these agreements could require changes to existing operations and practices, which some may view as burdensome or resource-intensive. Additionally, there could be debates about the sufficiency of oversight and guidance from the state in supporting the effective use of these agreements.