On June 12, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) issued draft standards for the delivery of primary care, which providers must meet in order to participate in the State’s Medicaid program. The draft standards were issued in two parts: general standards that apply to all primary care clinicians in all settings and an additional set of standards that would apply to Article 28 facilities with training programs in internal medicine, pediatrics, and/or family practice. The standards, which can be found at www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/medicaid/standards, are slated to take effect in January 2009. 
     
According to DOH, the draft standards are drawn from existing standards contained in Medicaid managed care contracts and residency program requirements. DOH is specifically seeking comments regarding whether most providers currently are able to meet these standards; whether these standards are likely “to improve the quality, continuity, and coordination of primary care for Medicaid members”; and whether certain standards should be delayed, and if so, for how long. GNYHA is convening a member work group to develop comments on the standards, which are due to DOH by August 8, 2008.