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Aug. 16th COVID-19 Update

New updates pertaining to the COVID-19 emergency continue to be announced by both the state and federal government on a regular basis. The latest developments for providers of long-term/post-acute care (LTPAC) and senior services are reviewed below.

As a reminder, LeadingAge NY continues to convene weekly webinars on Mondays at 11 a.m. to address emerging questions on COVID-19. A recording of our most recent webinar, held on Aug. 15th, is available here, and a list of the items shared by LeadingAge NY staff in the webinar chat can be accessed here. If you have questions for next week’s update or would like the access information, please contact Jeff Diamond.

Cross-Sector Updates

Governor Extends Emergency Declaration

On Aug. 13th, Governor Hochul issued Executive Order (EO) 11.9 renewing EO 11 and its successors and extending the State’s COVID-19 disaster emergency through Sept. 12th. This marks the ninth time that EO 11 provisions have been extended, each time for a month. The order permits the typical State contracting process to be bypassed to allow for the quick acquisition of any critical supplies to combat the pandemic and authorizes State agencies to assist local governments and individuals in managing the emergency.

The order allows the State to utilize the Surge and Flex Health Care Coordination System, enabling the State to modify requirements for hospitals, nursing homes, and adult care facilities (ACFs), including capacity and staffing requirements, for the purpose of maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the State’s health care delivery systems and mitigating the threat to the health of the people of New York. It also increases the ability of certain qualified laboratories to perform COVID-19 testing. Specifically, it authorizes the State, if needed, to implement strategies to increase bed capacity; postpone non-essential elective procedures in hospitals or allow such procedures only under certain circumstances; approve temporary changes at regulated health care facilities to physical plants, to facilitate the increased capacity; and establish plans for discharge, transfer, and receipt of patients.

CDC Updates COVID-19 Quarantine Recommendations for General Population

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its recommendations for isolation and quarantine for the general population on Aug. 11th. A press release is available here, and the CDC page on the recommendation is here. Members should note that the update is not for health care providers and staff in health care settings, but may be relevant for LeadingAge NY member staff serving in non-health care settings and for patients they serve in the community receiving home care, social or adult day health care, or other home and community-based services (HCBS). Click here for more information.

Nursing Home Updates

LeadingAge NY to Meet with DOH on TNA to CNA Transition

One of the federal 1135 waivers issued in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency allowed for the hiring of individuals to function as temporary nurse aides (TNAs) in nursing homes and continue without certification in those positions beyond the four months allowed by regulation. That waiver ended in June, and providers were allowed four months to have TNAs tested and approved as certified nurse aides (CNAs). A transition program was developed by the New York State Department of Health (DOH) with the input of LeadingAge NY and other associations. The deadline for certification of TNAs is early October.

As members have moved along in transitioning individuals, some members have experienced problems in scheduling and testing due to the unavailability of Prometric staff or the lack of accessible testing sites.

On Aug. 18th, LeadingAge NY will be meeting with DOH staff, as well as representatives of Prometric. We have heard from some members already about the problems encountered but would urge those who have not yet contacted us to share any difficulties they may be experiencing so we can bring those issues to the attention of DOH and Prometric.

Affordable Housing/Independent Living Updates

HUD Begins Certification Process for Fourth Round CSP Funds

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) COVID-19 Supplemental Payment (CSP) team has informed LeadingAge National that it has begun sending out the certification form for capital projects approved under the fourth round of CSPs. Click here for more information.