LTC Provider Updates from DOH
(July 15, 2025) LeadingAge NY and other health care provider associations met last week with the Department of Health's (DOH) Office of Aging and Long-Term Care (OALTC).
The Department issued extreme heat guidance recently. DOH noted the recent excessive heat and the possibility for elopements during warm weather. They urged residential providers to be aware and prepared for the risks associated with the heat and possible elopements.
In addition, they stressed the importance of keeping Health Commerce System (HCS) roles up to date, including the 24/7 contact role, which is located in a different place than the other roles on the HCS. Click here for information regarding populating that critical role.
The Department recently announced the transition to the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) for electronic Plans of Correction (ePOCs). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) iQIES Nursing Home launch is currently scheduled for July 14, 2025. EPOCs will not be available during the transition, and there will be a process to onboard to the new system. Members can learn more about the transition here.
Any concerns or hiccups in the process will be communicated through Integrated Health Alerting and Notification System (IHANS) alerts.
DOH's Center for Hospice will be hosting a July 31st Lunch and Learn webinar to share information about the Center's work. To register, click here.
The Center welcomes comment on CMS's Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool and the transition to quality reporting. The Center has met with most hospice providers in the state and is talking with hospitals, health systems, nursing home systems, and palliative care teams to work on referral sources and discuss barriers to hospice care.
The Department shared that additional stakeholder meetings will be held to discuss the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waiver program and ways to ensure that it returns to a budget-neutral status.
Staff reported that there are now delays in processing Criminal History Record Checks (CHRCs) due to the transition to a statewide Fiscal Intermediary (FI) and the need to accommodate an increase in personal care aides. Please email the Department if you are having issues.
Andy Lebwohl presented an update on the Master Plan for Aging (MPA) final report. They will now look at how they prioritize recommendations based on feasibility and urgency.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) activities for Assisted Living Programs (ALPs) and Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) programs may go beyond July 31st, but all expenditures need to be made by July 31st. Spending must be completed by that date. Providers should note that they are allowed to keep 5 percent of the allotted funds for administration purposes.
The State has still not announced Statewide Transformation Grant Program IV final awardees. Staff are unable to discuss this program and the Direct Caregiver Flexibility program due to a blackout period.
Updated nursing home closure guidelines should be released early next week. DOH should be notified as soon as possible if there is an intent to close. They want to open lines of communication and evaluate options to consider before any closure.
Discussion at the meeting regarding Adult Care Facilities (ACFs) and assisted living providers can be found here.
Contact: Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org