Governor Extends EO on Health Care Staffing Flexibilities

Under the continued Executive Order (EO) signed by Governor Hochul on Nov. 26, 2021, nursing homes continue to have flexibility with use of staff, as well as the role of the registered nurse (RN) in the nursing home. One of the biggest flexibilities continues to be the use of non-licensed, non-nursing staff with applicable training and supervision to:

collect throat, nasal, or nasopharyngeal swab specimens from individuals suspected of being infected by COVID-19 or influenza for purposes of testing
collect blood specimens for diagnosis of acute or past COVID-19
administer vaccinations against COVID-19 or influenza, pursuant to the most recent recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)
perform tasks under the supervision of a nurse otherwise limited to the scope of practice of a licensed practical nurse (LPN)/RN to provide care to individuals

Graduates of approved State Education Department (SED) LPN/RN programs can practice for 180 days immediately following graduation in a nursing home or hospital setting under the supervision of an RN and with the endorsement of the employing nursing home/hospital.

RNs are permitted to order the collection of throat or nasopharyngeal swab specimens from individuals suspected of being infected by COVID-19 for purposes of testing.

The expansion of nurse-initiated protocols includes:

Electrocardiograms (EKGs) for signs/symptoms of acute coronary syndrome
Blood glucose testing for altered mental status
Labs/intravenous (IV) lines for potential sepsis
Pre-procedure pregnancy testing to expedite evaluation and diagnosis

Contact: Mark Kepner-Clough, mkepner-clough@leadingageny.org, 518-728-2365