NY A07818

Authorizes the Commissioner of Health to approve up to 10 residential health care facilities statewide to operate respiratory therapy units as part of a demonstration program

Defines respiratory therapy services to include high-flow and low-flow oxygenation support, mechanical ventilation, pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation, and ventilator-weaning techniques

Targets patients with COPD, those recovering from lung surgery, asthma attacks, bronchitis, and pneumonia, with the goal of improving breathing and reducing future hospitalizations

Gives application priority to facilities that can demonstrate a 10-year history of providing respiratory therapy services, and requires compliance with federal Medicare participation requirements

Requires the Commissioner to establish appropriate reimbursement rates covering minimum staffing, therapeutic interventions, equipment, and supplies, and to report to the Governor and Legislature within 3 years on program implementation and potential expansion