DOH Issues Two New DALs for ACFs
Last week, the Department of Health (DOH) issued two new Dear Administrator Letters (DALs) for adult care facilities (ACFs).
The first announces proposed regulation changes regarding tuberculosis (TB) testing for ACF staff. Members may be aware that DOH recently changed these requirements for assisted living residences (ALRs), nursing homes, and home care, consistent with new clinical guidelines. ACFs were omitted from this change. LeadingAge NY brought this to the attention of DOH, and they committed to applying the changes to ACFs. Public comment is being accepted for 60 days.
Under the proposed regulations, new staff would need to get tested for TB; however, after that baseline test, an assessment is recommended for subsequent employee health assessments, which evaluates certain risk factors. DOH has provided guidance on that assessment process for the ALR and other aforementioned providers, which can be viewed here. Members should alert us of any questions or concerns.
The second DAL announces that DOH is moving to an electronic incident reporting process effective June 1st and includes an instruction manual. We have asked the Department to conduct a webinar to review the process and answer member questions.
ACF members are also reminded of the following deadlines coming up this month:
- Adult homes or adult homes with ALR licensure who have tiered fee arrangements in their admission or residency agreements that do not comply with guidance regarding services regarding medication assistance have until May 15th to submit revisions to the agreement to DOH for approval. Click here for more information.
- The ACF Financial Report is due May 31st. We have been advocating for more flexibility for adult homes who are required to file the CPA certification with this report.
Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828