New York, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) announced that her bill, A.1323, the CARE Act (Caregiver Advise, Record and Enable Act) to empower caregivers and protect New Yorkers who convalesce at home after a hospitalization, today passed the Assembly. After passing both the Senate and the Assembly this session, the bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

“Taking care of a loved one at home after they have suffered an injury or illness can be daunting,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “Caregivers may be tasked with administering complicated medication administration, operating or cleaning machines and even wound dressing. This bill will ensure that designated caregivers receive adequate instruction to ensure that they provide home care with confidence and skill. This will reduce the risk of readmission and make the entire process easier for all involved.”

The bill allows patients to designate a family member or another individual as an official caregiver and provides designated caregivers with the opportunity to receive training in providing care at home.

“With the number of seniors projected to increase dramatically, more and more people will be asked to provide care for their family members and loved ones at home,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “Recognizing the imperative for effective care at home, this bill addresses the growing need before it comes to pass.”

Currently, more than 2.8 million New Yorkers provide unpaid care to family members at home and 1.6 million adult New Yorkers are discharged home from the hospital.

Assemblymember Rosenthal partnered with AARP on this bill, which led the advocacy on this legislation. In addition, the bill was supported by the New York State Alzheimer’s Association, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) and New Yorkers for Patient and Family Empowerment. According to a 2014 survey conducted by AARP, more 92% of all New Yorkers aged 50 and older support this legislation and New Jersey, Oklahoma, Colorado, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, New Hampshire, Nevada, New Mexico and Mississippi have all enacted legislation similar to the CARE Act. Connecticut, Illinois and Oregon have similar legislation pending.