Extensions of Executive Orders Related to Hurricane Sandy for Home Care and Hospice

DOH posted to the HCS a Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) that clarifies the new Executive Order #94. This order was signed on Feb. 28 and authorizes the suspension of regulations previously ordered by Executive Orders #64 and #72 to continue through March 25, 2013.

These Executive Orders pertain to home care and hospice agencies providing services in Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester counties. Specifically:

• Executive Order #72 allows the time frame for medical orders to be signed by the authorized practitioner extended to 60 days, and the requirement for in-home supervision of home health aides and personal care aides may be conducted as soon as practicable. Also, for Certified Home Health Agencies, the time frame for the initial patient visit was extended to 48 hours within receipt and acceptance of a community referral or return home from institutional placement.
• Executive Order #64 allows home care agencies and hospices to temporarily provide services outside their approved geographical area to facilitate continuity of care for individuals in need of hospice and home care.

To review all of the Executive Orders, click here.

Contact: Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871