DOH Issues Reopening Guidance for ACF Day Programs for Non-Residents

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued reopening guidance for adult care facilities (ACFs) with day programs for non-residents. Previously approved ACF day programs for non-residents that are considering reopening are expected to follow strict standards for infection control for staff and participants. To maintain infection control standards and practices, DOH will use a phased approach to reopening. This will provide the necessary time for such programs to train staff, obtain applicable authorizations from insurances or community physicians, and communicate to participants and families, vendors, and transportation providers.

The phases of reopening are as follows:

Phase #1: Beginning May 4, 2021, day programs for non-residents previously approved by DOH may submit a reopening plan that addresses the three key areas of operation outlined in the guidance.

Phase #2: Beginning May 17, 2021, day programs for non-residents previously approved by DOH with an accepted reopening plan and where the sponsoring ACF meets the eligibility criteria for in-person visitation may open.

Prior to reopening, each day program for non-residents must submit a New York Forward Safety Plan to covidadultcareinfo@health.ny.gov. Reopening plans must address and programs must comply with criteria set forth in the guidance regarding physical distancing; infection control, including screening of participants, staff, and visitors; and transportation.

Feel free to contact LeadingAge NY with any questions or concerns you may have. 

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, or Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org. Both can be reached at 518-867-8383.