We assumed that this meant that the Governor's office was supporting her alternative. In November 1995, Coalition to Save New York Social Work members spoke before the Codes Committee of the State Hospital Review and Planning Council and communicated our support for the alternative language. Four days before the alternative was to be adopted by the State Hospital and Review Council in February. In the meantime, the existing regulation that requires Departments of Social Work is still in the Hospital Code. That lawsuit is now in progress.
Efforts continue Meanwhile, efforts to reorganize hospitals continue.
The regulations which protect patient care and social work in New York State do not exist anywhere else in the country. The National NASW standards for social work service delivery in health care settings are the only commonly accepted standards, but they are voluntary. However, in some instances, hospitals are using those standards when they are brought to the attention of the administrators. Since the changes taking place are legal and backed by current government policy, social workers are in the position of having to negotiate the role and status of social work on a hospital by hospital basis. Local citizen advocacy groups, elected officials, and members of allied professions can be engaged in helping the hospital maintain a strong patient care base.