WHEREAS, the aging residents of Erie County and their loved ones are deserving of all pertinent information when making decisions regarding where to reside; WHEREAS, in New York State many health and social services are under the purview of county governments;

WHEREAS, Erie County plays a substantial role in the lives of our aging population through investing in our transportation services, expanding our dining programs and ensuring protection through our adult protective services program;

WHEREAS, Erie County has a responsibility to ensure the safety and comfort for all its citizens, but especially to those populations unable to do so on their own;

WHEREAS, Erie County has a duty to provide information to its residents that will assist them in making major life decisions, all the while encouraging institutions across Erie County to operate in the utmost transparency so the provided information can assist in making those decisions informed ones;

WHEREAS, Erie County government will increase its efforts to ensure nursing home facilities throughout Erie County are exerting all means at their disposal to provide up to date and in depth information to its current and potential patients as well as loved ones;

NOW, THEREFORE, I MARK C. POLONCARZ, Erie County Executive, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Erie County Charter §§301 & 302, do hereby order as follows:

1. It is ordered and affirmed that the Division of Information and Support Services (DISS) produce and maintain a free and easily accessible web portal that will allow residents to review and research nursing home facilities in Erie County.

2. It is ordered and affirmed that the Departments of Senior Services and Social Services include the address of the above mentioned web portal in its frequent communications to pertinent audiences

3. It is ordered and affirmed that the Department of Senior Services prepare a “Know Your Rights” guide for potential nursing home patients which will be provided to those who go through the options counseling process with the department. Along with the guide, a list of nursing homes and their Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Nursing home quality measure ratings shall also be provided to those searching for advice from the department.

GIVEN, under my hand and the Privy Seal of the County of Erie in the City of Buffalo this 24th day of March, in the year two thousand seventeen.

County of Erie

By: Mark C. Poloncarz Erie County Executive