DOH Issues Guidance on Nursing Home Construction and Renovation Projects

On July 23, 2021, the Department of Health (DOH) issued Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) NH-21-16 alerting nursing homes to actions required when either resuming projects that had been delayed by the recent Public Health Emergency (PHE) or beginning newly approved construction or renovation projects.

Nursing homes need to submit a safety plan to the appropriate Department Regional Office for review and approval. Proposals received will be reviewed to ensure that they meet all requirements and the goals of a safety plan.

The safety plan must include, but is not limited to, a COVID-19 mitigation/prevention plan outlining, at a minimum, testing, screening, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, physical distancing from residents, etc.

In addition, each facility is required to have appropriate policies and procedures in place to address infection control and prevention as well as resident, visitor, and staff safety during construction.

Contact: Elliott Frost, efrost@leadingageny.org, 518-441-8761