The daylong forum, open to the media, will explore the impact on consumers and health care providers of requiring all people seeking long-term care to go through a single “point of entry” (POE).  Titled “New York Seeks ANSWERS: States’ Experience with Point-of-Entry,” the symposium will feature experts from two states—Wisconsin and Minnesota—that have adopted similar systems.  A national expert, Virginia Dize, associate director of home and community based services at the National Association of State Units on Aging, will report on how point of entry is working across the country now that more than 30 states have implemented some type of system.

Two state agencies — the Department of Health and Office of the Aging — are developing a proposal for New York, which they call Access New York Services With Effective Responsive Support, or NY ANSWERS.  Both agencies are scheduled to provide an update on their efforts.

In January, Gov. George Pataki’s Health Care Reform Working Group recommended New York develop a system that would require people seeking long-term care to pass through a single clearinghouse, or point of entry, where their needs would be assessed and their options for care identified.  The plan is called NY ANSWERS.

Proponents say the plan would help consumers navigate through a complex maze of long-term care options.  Some hospitals have expressed concern that a single clearinghouse could create patient backlogs, especially if it delays the discharge of hospital patients who are well enough to move to another level of care.  The symposium will explore those issues, and others.

Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the program will conclude at about 4 p.m.  Registration costs $75 and includes refreshments and lunch.  To make a reservation or ask questions, please call 518-426-8764, or send E-mail to tbrown@hanys.org

The symposium is sponsored by the Empire State Association of Adult Homes and Assisted Living Facilities; Healthcare Association of New York State: Home Care Association of New York State, Inc.; Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State, New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging; New York State Association of Health Care Providers, Inc., and New York State Health Facilities Association.  The Albany Guardian Society provided production assistance.