Nov. 23rd COVID-19 Update
New updates pertaining to the COVID-19 emergency continue to be announced by both the state and federal government on a regular basis. The latest developments for providers of long-term/post-acute care (LTPAC) and senior services are outlined below.
As a reminder, LeadingAge NY continues to convene weekly webinars on Mondays at 11 a.m. to address emerging questions on COVID-19. A recording of our most recent webinar, held on Nov. 22nd, is available here, and a list of the items shared by LeadingAge NY staff in the webinar chat can be accessed here. If you have questions for next week’s update or would like the access information, please contact Jeff Diamond.
Cross-Sector Updates
Provider Relief Fund Distribution Update
On Nov. 23rd, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), began distributing American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural payments to providers and suppliers who serve rural Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicare beneficiaries. The ARP Rural payments are being made to providers based on the amount and type of services they provide to Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP patients who live in rural areas, as defined by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. Click here for more information.
LeadingAge NY Speaks on Regulations at Public Health and Health Planning Council Meeting
New York’s Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) met on Nov. 18th to renew emergency regulations governing personal caregiving and compassionate caregiving visitation in nursing homes and adult care facilities (ACFs) and regulations governing the vaccination mandate on health care personnel. LeadingAge NY spoke at the meeting about the staffing crisis confronting long term care providers in New York State and the failure of these regulations, as well as the nursing home minimum nursing hours regulations, to acknowledge that crisis. Click here for more information.
Attention NYC Members: MTA Is the Best Way to Travel During Four-Day Thanksgiving Weekend
For those of you in New York City, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will pose challenges to travel on and around the holiday. Click here for information from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) regarding travel impacts.
Nursing Home and ACF/Assisted Living Updates
DOH, IPRO Present Infection Control Webinar for Nursing Homes and ACFs
IPRO, in conjunction with the Department of Health (DOH), provided a webinar on Nov. 23rd entitled Infection Control for Nursing Homes and Adult Care Facilities: Hand Hygiene and PPE: Are You Where You Need to Be? The slides from the webinar can be accessed here, and the recording is available here.