S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
1637
2023-2024 Regular Sessions
I N S E N A T E
January 13, 2023
___________
Introduced by Sen. OBERACKER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
printed to be committed to the Committee on Finance
AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to establishing the
healthcare workforce innovation fund; and making an appropriation
therefor
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The public health law is amended by adding a new section
3609-a to read as follows:
§ 3609-A. HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE INNOVATION FUND. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL
ESTABLISH THE HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE INNOVATION FUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF
EXPANDING THE DIRECT CARE PROVIDER AND HOME HEALTH AIDE WORKFORCE PIPE-
LINES. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL, ON AN ANNUAL BASIS, IDENTIFY AREAS OF THE
STATE EXPERIENCING A SHORTAGE OF WORKERS IN THE DIRECT CARE SERVICE
PROVIDER AND HOME HEALTH AIDE SECTORS. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL WORK IN
COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HYGIENE AND THE DEPARTMENT
OF EDUCATION TO IMPROVE THE WORKFORCE PIPELINES IN THOSE AREAS. THE
DEPARTMENT MAY PROVIDE GRANTS OUT OF FUNDS AVAILABLE TO PROVIDERS AND
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, BOCES PROGRAMS,
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY CENTERS, AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS FOR THE PURPOSE
OF IMPROVING SUCH PIPELINES.
§ 2. The sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) is hereby appropri-
ated to the department of health out of any moneys in the state treasury
in the general fund to the credit of the local assistance account, not
otherwise appropriated, and made immediately available, for the purpose
of the healthcare workforce innovation fund. Such moneys shall be paya-
ble on the audit and warrant of the comptroller on vouchers certified or
approved by the commissioner of the department of education in the
manner prescribed by law.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03610-01-3