NY A00464

Creates a new "complex care assistant" certification allowing family members to provide paid Medicaid-covered care to medically fragile children and young adults who qualify for private duty nursing services

Requires family members to complete training and pass an in-person examination demonstrating proficiency in tasks including tracheostomy care, central line care, mechanical ventilation, and enteral care (g-tube, ng tube)

Limits paid complex care assistant services to 40 hours per week, with the employing private duty nursing agency required to pay all certification costs and prohibited from seeking reimbursement from the family member

Mandates that private duty nursing agencies pass through at least 65% of Medicaid reimbursement to the complex care assistant, with rates adjusted bi-annually based on the consumer price index

Requires the State Medicaid Director to submit reports every two years on program outcomes including hospitalizations, emergency room visits, nursing hours, and impact on private duty nursing waitlists