Albany, NY – Millions of New Yorkers providing at-home health care to friends and loved-ones will receive much-needed help as a result of a bill passed unanimously by the New York State Assembly on Monday. Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo was the prime co-sponsor of the CARE Act (Rosenthal A1323b/Hannon S676b) which would require hospitals to inform a designated caregiver of a patient’s care plan and offer certain training that allows for the proper administration of this plan.

“Family members caring for loved-ones at home are often expected to perform difficult tasks such as administering medication, tending to wounds, and operating medical equipment,” said Assemblywoman Lupardo. “The CARE Act will arm them with the information and training they need to properly execute this care. This is an invaluable service as it will lower hospital readmission rates and save millions of dollars in associated health care costs.”

The CARE Act was a top priority for AARP in 2015. It previously passed the New York State Senate in April and will now be sent to Governor Cuomo for consideration.