The state and federal guidance differ in scope and approach. Members are advised to follow the DOH guidance with respect to fully vaccinated personnel who are infected with COVID-19, in the context of a critical staffing shortage. Until DOH issues further clarification, members should consider following CDC guidance when they are not experiencing critical shortages and with respect to HCP who are exposed but not infected.

DOH issued a DAL on the State's health care personnel vaccination mandate, imposing a deadline for compliance with a more restrictive approach to religious exemptions. Further analysis of the CMS vaccination mandate regulations has revealed that board members are subject to the requirement.

DOH urges providers to try to hold clinics by the end of next week to provide protection over the holiday.

DOH, based on feedback from LeadingAge NY and the provider community, removed the weekly certification requirement for nursing homes and ACFs regarding the COVID-19 vaccinations of nursing home and ACF residents and personnel.

Nursing home members surely noticed today, Nov. 2^nd, that the monthly PPE reporting was included in the daily HERDS survey and will be requested on a monthly basis. In addition, the weekly workforce reduction and EO 4 questions were incorporated on today’s survey for both nursing homes and ACFs and will be asked on a weekly basis.