MORE CHOICE OF CARE FOR SENIORS
By Senator Lowe Finney
The Senate Finance Ways and Means Committee, by a unanimous vote of 11-0, took a major step last week in approving legislation that is much-needed and long overdue.
I am proud to be primary sponsor of SB4181, the Long-Term Care Community Choices Act of 2008.
Last summer, a special joint committee began discussing improvements to our state's long-term care system. In January, Gov. Phil Bredesen joined in as we endeavored to fundamentally restructure how Tennessee takes care of its elderly citizens.
The findings were eye-opening: Among them, that Tennessee, when compared to other states, is generally considered 20-25 years behind other states in how we deliver long-term care services; Tennessee takes up to 45 days to assess an individual's eligibility for those services; and service providers are often overburdened by the state in their attempt to diversify types of care.
Although our state provides good services, the current system is simply confusing, inefficient and disjointed. We will be comprehensive. Although it will take a few years to fully implement, the bill will address our system from the top down, from services that are offered, licensure of care providers, expansion of community-based alternatives to quality assurance.
We do not need to piecemeal our health-care delivery system. Because the needs are great, the scope of this bill should be far-reaching.
The bill will help the state and care providers seamlessly coordinate the kinds of care people need. We will be better-prepared to assist individuals transitioning to or from nursing facilities and community-based care. A single point of entry will help individuals and their families assess options for care and how to access them. And the eligibility process will be streamlined so services can be delivered with ease and speed.
For years, Tennesseans have often had one choice: nursing homes. What became apparent during our meetings is that many individuals need nursing facilities, but there are also many others who are able, and wish to, remain in their homes while receiving medical care.
This bill will ensure that, if an individual desires more cost-effective care at home or in the community, he or she will be able to access those services.
State will aid in licensing
To the extent that nursing facilities seek to offer home-based services, the state will assist them in meeting licensure and other requirements.
We are integrating these long-term care services into our existing managed-care system, which is funded by federal and state dollars. This helps us manage growth within our existing resources.
While there is no "magic bullet" for every situation, this legislation seeks to offer flexible, practical solutions. The latest census figures show Tennessee is home to more than 760,000 senior citizens, a number expected to double in 15 years.
This bill recognizes not every senior's situation is the same. Some have family members able to help. Others need 24-hour assistance in a nursing facility; still others only need someone to bring them a warm meal and help count out their medication.
The foundations of the legislation are choice, dignity and high quality of care. This bill promotes these foundations. Our seniors deserve nothing less.
From the Tennessean.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Long-Term Care Community Choices Act unanimously passed the full Senate on Thursday, May 1.
05/05/2008
