Aug. 24th COVID-19 Update
New COVID-19-related updates for providers of long-term/post-acute care (LTPAC) and senior services continue to be shared on a regular basis by both state and federal authorities. The latest developments are discussed 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 Aug. 23rd, 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, please send them to Ami Schnauber, and be sure to check your email for the access information, or contact Jeff Diamond.
Cross-Sector Updates
State Issues Order Mandating Vaccination of Nursing Home and Hospital Staff
Last week, New York State issued an order mandating COVID-19 vaccination of hospital and nursing home workers. On Aug. 23rd, the State proposed emergency regulations expanding the vaccine mandate to adult care facilities (ACFs), licensed home care services agencies (LHCSAs), certified home health agencies (CHHAs), hospice, long term home health care programs (LTHHCPs), AIDS home care agencies, limited LHCSAs serving Assisted Living Programs (ALPs), and diagnostic and treatment centers. Click here for more information on these and other vaccination-related directives.
Nursing Home Updates
Nursing Homes Must Meet New PPE Stockpile Requirements by Aug. 31st
Nursing home members are reminded that they have until Aug. 31st to meet the new personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpile requirements. The Department of Health (DOH) reports that every nursing home has accessed the DOH calculations for each facility to meet the requirements; however, we urge members to let us know as soon as possible if you have difficulty accessing or understanding the data. You may also contact the DOH COVID-19 nursing home mailbox here with any questions. Click here for more background, including highlights from and a link to the DOH webinar on the new PPE requirements.
DOH Issues TNA to CNA Transition Guidance
This week, DOH issued a Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) and supporting documents to authorize the transition of eligible Temporary Nurse Aides (TNAs) to Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) through an abbreviated 40-hour training class, instead of the usual 100-hour Nurse Aide Training Program. Click here for more information.
CMS and CDC to Provide NHSN Updates on Aug. 25th National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be hosting a National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call on Wed., Aug. 25th from 4 to 4:30 p.m. to provide a recap of recent announcements as well as National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) updates. Registration is required in advance and can be accessed here.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Updates
DOH Issues DAL on Resumption of Home Care and Hospice Services
On Aug. 23rd, DOH issued a DAL addressing the resumption of routine services for home care and hospice agencies and the limited circumstances under which DOH will continue to exercise enforcement discretion in recognition of the fact that providers need time to restart and complete activities previously suspended. However, providers should immediately initiate efforts to restart these activities and be able to demonstrate to Department surveyors that there is a plan in place for compliance as soon as practicable. Click here for more information.