West Hudson Valley News

Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) has endorsed a proposed bill (A.6032) aimed at amending the Public Health Law concerning the establishment, incorporation, or capacity increase of for-profit hospices in New York. Having collaborated with nonprofit hospice organizations for many years, Maher emphasized that such entities prioritize patient and family care over profit.

Sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, the proposal has successfully passed all committees. Maher stressed the urgency of passing this legislation in the final hours of the session. "The nonprofit hospice industry is not on an even playing field, competing with for-profit entities that, at the end of the day, are motivated by financial gain. I strongly commend New York state for implementing significant guardrails to protect patients and families," said Maher. "It is time to further safeguard vulnerable New Yorkers. Instead of allowing more for-profit hospice care centers in an effort to meet the needs of our community, we should be investing more in the expansion of nonprofit hospice organizations that have a proven track record. The New York State Assembly has a crucial bill on the floor that needs to reach a vote in these final days of session."

Sandi Cassese, executive director of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, also expressed support for the legislation. “Hospice care is best provided when we focus on quality outcomes and patient and family satisfaction - not corporate greed. We must protect the vulnerable who depend on us in their final months and days. I commend Assemblyman Maher for becoming a cosponsor of this vital legislation and urge all members of the Assembly and Senate to support this bipartisan effort in the final days of this year’s legislative session,” said Cassese.

The hospice industry initially comprised small, nonprofit providers dedicated to ensuring dignified end-of-life care. However, it has evolved significantly, with for-profit hospices now dominating the sector. These entities often acquire nonprofit agencies and consolidate them into large chains with numerous locations. For-profit hospices report profit margins three times higher than those earned by nonprofits, with research indicating that both quantity and quality of care suffer under for-profit models compared to nonprofit providers.

Maher concluded by reaffirming his commitment to bipartisan efforts: “Once again, I am proud to support common-sense, bipartisan legislation. Working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle, we can protect some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers and their families.”