As we face yet another frightening wave of contagion and illness, it becomes more a part of our ongoing reality. The attorneys in Elder Law and Special Needs Section are acutely aware of the effects of this pandemic, as we are often on the front lines in working with the frailest, the most susceptible to the virus, and the most likely to the hospitalized. We have gone from struggling to reach out to our clients, to working with them in a virtual world, and now are running out of resources to keep them safe.

Perhaps at the forefront of our response to the pandemic has been the creation of a Committee on Long Term Care Facility Reform. This group was formed when we became aware the devastating effects of the pandemic on residents of nursing homes and other congregate care settings. With a large number of active members, this energized Committee has worked to advocate for much-needed legislation, such as the essential visitation bill, which has become law, and the safe staffing law, which sets minimum staffing levels for nursing homes. However, the work of the Committee goes well beyond legislative advocacy, and includes outreach, and development of resource materials. This year, they are looking to focus on enforcement of the laws and rules to ensure that facilities are implementing the new procedures and also are continuing to provide safe access to residents by their loved ones.