(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - Nursing Home Workers represented by 1199 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are calling for full and swift implementation of the package of Nursing Home Reform Laws signed by Governor Kathy Hochul earlier this year. 

Initially passed by the State Legislature in 2021, the reforms include provisions that require nursing homes to meet minimum staffing levels of 3.5 hours per resident per day and spend at least 70% of revenue on resident care.

The Public Health and Health Policy Council (PHHPC) unanimously approved regulations to implement the laws on November 17th, but have since faced intense pushback from nursing home owners.  

1199 SEIU Members attended PHHPC meetings in Albany and New York City that were held to oppose the industry’s calls to weaken the laws protecting nursing home residents and staff. 

Currently, New York State ranks 44th in the Nation for Nursing Home Staffing with annual Staff turnover nearing 50%.

Jacquelle Pinnock, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) at the Parker Jewish Institute in Queens, said: "The pandemic shined a light on the critical need for these Staffing Laws.  That's why the legislation was overwhelmingly passed and signed back in 2021!  Now is the time to ensure the laws are implemented.  There is no time to wait!”

Lisa Johnson, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Collar City Nursing Home in Schaghticoke, said: "We fought hard for these laws and we need them to now be enforced.  We are losing Staff because we work short.  We need to start enforcing these laws to keep caregivers at the bedside.”

Richard Romero, a veteran CNA at Shaker Place in Albany (formerly the Albany County Nursing Home), said: "We are losing Staff because we work short.  We need to start enforcing these laws to keep Caregivers at the bedside."

1199 SEIU’s support for fully implementing Nursing Home Reform in New York State comes on the heels of Attorney General Tish James announcement of a major lawsuit against an Upstate Nursing Home Operator and its related companies for siphoning off millions in Medicaid funds, failing to hire sufficient Staff and making egregious decisions that allowed COVID-19 to run rampant through the facility. 

Absent reform to improve transparency and standards in the industry, these types of practices will continue, advocates say.

1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East - the largest and fastest-growing Health Care Union in America and whose mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all, represents more than 450,000 Nurses and Caregivers throughout New York State, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts and Florida, as well as in Washington, D.C.