Temporary Suspension or Modification of Statutes and Regulations in NYS During Emergencies

After experiencing many events, including the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, and Superstorm Sandy, the health care community expressed a need for guidance to overcome statutory and regulatory barriers when responding to disasters. In New York State Department of Health's (NYSDOH) After Action Reports and Improvement Plans for these major emergencies, recommendations were made to develop guidance on this subject and assemble a list of potential statutory or regulatory barriers. 

Over the past year, LeadingAge NY, NYSDOH and other health care associations identified those statutes and regulations that during a disaster or crisis could be suspended or waived freeing those providers affected to better respond to the needs of the individuals they serve. The guide is comprehensive and looks at requirements affecting home care, adult care facilities and nursing homes.  All providers should review the material and determine how their current disaster and emergency plans are affected by the items and processes described in the Guide.  Click here to view.

Contact:  Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org; Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, or Elliott Frost, efrost@leadingageny.org.  All can be reached at 518-867-8383.