(WNY News Now) – Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) has introduced two significant bipartisan bills designed to enhance health care standards and accessibility for America’s seniors.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced two bipartisan bills focused on improving health outcomes and transparency in long-term care settings. H.R. 10072, the Long-Term Care Transparency Act, and H.R. 10071, the Evidence-Informed Health Promotion Act, aim to address critical gaps in senior care and public health programs across the United States.
The Long-Term Care Transparency Act, co-led by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), will ensure that Congress has access to crucial information about the quality and safety of care in long-term care facilities like nursing homes. Right now, state ombudsman programs gather a lot of data on issues in these facilities, from health and safety concerns to residents’ rights — however, it isn’t readily available at the national level. By requiring the Administration on Aging to compile and report this data to Congress, the bill helps improve oversight and highlight problem areas, ultimately leading to higher standards and better care for seniors. Cosponsors of this legislation include Reps. Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Don Davis (NC-01).
“We need to bring transparency and congressional oversight to long-term care facilities to ensure that seniors receive the quality care they deserve,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This legislation is a commonsense solution to ensure data is shared with lawmakers, allowing Congress to fully address problem areas and shape policies that prioritize seniors’ health, safety, and dignity.”
The Long-Term Care Transparency Act is supported by organizations, including the National Council on Aging, the Elder Justice Coalition, and the National Association of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs.
Bob Blancato, National Coordinator for the Elder Justice Coalition, said, “The bi-partisan 3000-member Elder Justice Coalition fully supports the Long Term Care Transparency Act of 2024. We commend Rep Langworthy for his leadership in sponsoring the bill. It is both appropriate and overdue for the state’s long-term care ombudsman program to be better supported. Calling for better data collection will certainly help the cause.”
Read the full text of the bill here.
The second piece of legislation, the Evidence-Informed Health Promotion Act, co-led by Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09), seeks to make health promotion and disease prevention programs more accessible, especially for seniors in rural areas, through new federal funding opportunities for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).
AAAs are public or private nonprofit agencies designated by a state to address the needs and concerns of all older persons at the regional and local levels. Currently, the strict “evidence-based” requirements tied to federal funding under the Older Americans Actmake it challenging for these agencies to implement or adapt health programs that fit local needs. This bill would expand options for these agencies by allowing funds to support “evidence-informed” programs, which are still based on established research but are more adaptable and cost-effective.
By opening up funding to evidence-informed programs, this bill would enable rural AAAs to provide a broader range of health and wellness services, including chronic disease management programs, fall prevention initiatives to reduce injury risks, and social connection programs that address the health impacts of isolation. With this flexibility, AAAs would be better equipped to deliver programs that help seniors stay healthy, active, and connected within their communities.
“Every senior deserves access to programs that help them stay healthy and connected, no matter where they live,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This bill gives our rural and underserved communities the resources to deliver effective, high-quality health services that meet their unique needs. Expanding funding options for evidence-informed programs is a practical step that will make a real difference in helping more older Americans receive support from their communities.”
This legislation is supported by outside groups, including the National Council on Aging and USAging.
Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging, said, “USAging is pleased to endorse the Evidence-Informed Health Promotion Act, which would update the Older Americans Act Title III D’s health promotion and disease prevention programs to better meet the needs of older adults nationwide. The bill provides Area Agencies on Aging the flexibility they need to reach more older adults with emerging interventions as well as proven evidence-based programs focused on fall prevention, chronic disease self-management, mental health and other issues that promote healthy aging. We thank Congressman Langworthy for his leadership in introducing this bill and hope it will be included in the forthcoming reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.”
Read the full text of the bill here.