Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#40)
Disclaimer
Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.
Summary
Produce a model working caregiver education training program to inform working informal caregivers of their rights and resources in the workplace. This proposal also includes a call to prohibit discrimination based on caregiver status.
Justification
Informal caregivers who maintain employment face challenges accessing health care, supportive services, and knowledge about their rights as a caregiver. Caregiver education will allow working caregivers to better understand and access the resources available to them, ultimately leading to better care and improved health outcomes for caregivers and their loved ones.
Full Proposal
Consult with the Division of Human Rights and produce a model working caregiver education training program to inform working informal caregivers of their rights and resources in the workplace.
- Amend Section 292 and 296 of the Executive Law, to prohibit employers from discriminating against individuals based on such individual's status as a caregiver.
- Develop and distribute educational materials for the general public and update of government media (by DOL, DHR, Office of the Attorney General (OAG), and NYSOFA) to include information about the new legal protection.
- Collect data on complaints and inquiries based on the new legal protection.
- Conduct research on the granting of reasonable accommodations under the new law.
- Collect data on the employment/unemployment rate/employment status on informal caregivers.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as long-term. A formal review of the impact of different approaches to this type of non-discrimination protection, and particularly the experience with such protections in New York City, may be necessary to identify the most effective way to create the intended protections.