Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#30)
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
Direct the Department of Health to procure Regional Direct Care Training Centers (Centers) throughout NYS to increase access and availability to training. The proposal includes the regulatory framework for operating the training centers.
Justification
DOH is currently working to procure Centers throughout the State to train Personal Care Assistants (PCA), Home Health Aides (HHA) and CNAs in order to increase the number of formal caregivers, reducing workforce shortages. This proposal is to make hybrid/virtual training models eligible, which are more easily accessible, to apply for this funding.
Full Proposal
DOH should procure Centers throughout NYS to increase access and availability to training.
- DOH would continue to approve Hybrid Virtual Training Programs (HVTPs) under the current application process and HVTPs should be eligible to apply to be Centers alone, or in collaboration with other approved TPs (Training Programs).
- HVTP would only be provided by DOH approved PCA or HHA Training Programs (PCATP or HHATP).
- Local approved Training Programs may recruit and refer potential trainees to the Centers.
- Centers would train students in a classroom setting or have the option to administer the training virtually in which instance the HVTP would provide the virtual didactic portion of the training.
- Centers may contract with approved PCATP and/or HHATP training programs so their nurse instructors can complete the remainder of their HHA certification process.
- Center Registered Nurse (RN) Instructors would review and sign off on all tests and skills assessments, evaluate final performance and sign off on certificates.
- Centers would submit all certificates through the Home Care Registry.
- Centers would send all HHA certificates in accordance with regulations.
- Training Program graduates would be given a list of all employers in the region and will be referred to employers for interviews to support hiring by their local Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA) or referred for CNA or other healthcare training as desired.
- Trainees would be offered the option of training as a Direct Support Professional in order to serve the Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability (IDD/DD) population, and Centers will refer trainees accordingly.
- In addition to the mandated in-service topics, the Center can provide specialty training on various topics depending on the characteristics of the population being served. This same model applies to other sector certifications and more modules can be added as pre-requisites for career advancement. (CNA, Medical Assistant).
Notes: Portions of this proposal are in the process of being enacted.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as infrastructure. Components of this proposal and proposal 32 are both currently being implemented at DOH through an RFA issued on December 3rd, 2024. DOH will consider the details of this proposal as it proceeds with the procurement process.