AARP NY Statement on NYS Reporting of Nursing Home Deaths

ALBANY, N.Y.— AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel released the following statement in response to news stories in today’s Wall Street Journal and New York Times about New York State’s reporting of nursing home resident deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic:

“AARP New York has been calling for full reporting of deaths of nursing home residents since early last year. We have repeatedly said sound public policy depends on full and reliable data.

“Anything short of reporting full and reliable data to the public is unacceptable. Now that we do have a fuller picture of the death toll – over 13,000, highest of any state in the nation – failing to act would be another tragic mistake.

“Negotiations are underway in earnest over the State Budget, which is due April 1 and has become the vehicle for major policy changes in New York State. Now is the time to improve safety and conditions for our mothers, fathers, grandparents, spouses and other loved ones in New York’s nursing homes - and for the staff who care for them.

“AARP has been urging the Governor and Legislature to include a Five-Point Nursing Home Reform Plan in the budget.

“If the highest death toll of nursing home residents in the nation shouldn’t prompt bold reforms, we don’t know what will.”

Contact: Erik Kriss, ekriss@aarp.org

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About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

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