DOH Provides Information to LTC Providers on Accessing Antiviral Therapies

LeadingAge NY has been advocating to make COVID-19 therapeutic treatments available to long term care (LTC) settings. We are pleased to report that, in response to our urging, the Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) providing information about how LTC settings and prescribers can access the current therapeutics available. The DAL also provides clinical considerations and guidance for prescribers.

While monoclonal antibodies have been an effective treatment, the IV administration makes it challenging to provide. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided emergency use authorization for the oral antiviral therapies Paxlovid and molnupiravir to treat patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. DOH recently delivered oral antivirals to several LTC pharmacies throughout the state, outlined in the DAL. However, there are still some facilities that have their own pharmacy on site or partner with a pharmacy DOH has not yet sent product to. Any members not served by one of the pharmacies listed that are interested in receiving oral antivirals can email DOH at COVID19Therapeutics@health.ny.gov for more information.

Members are encouraged to review the DAL and share it with medical directors and other physicians that serve your residents and patients, to ensure access to these resources.

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828