NY Agrees to Sweeping Reform of Disabled Care

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders say they have agreed on a sweeping reform of the state's system of caring for the disabled that has been marked for years by abuse and death.  WAMC’s Ian Pickus reports…

For Cuomo, the deal announced Sunday fulfills a major legislative goal.

Recent governors have been dogged for years by outcry from whistle blowers and a chilling New York Times series was published this year about abuse within the massive bureaucracy caring for 1 million people.

The bill will include a hotline for workers and others to report abuse, a special prosecutor and an inspector general for the protection of people with special needs.

In response to a push by the Assembly's Democratic majority for an independent watchdog, an advisory board will be established.

Ian Pickus, WAMC News.

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