Jan. 25th COVID-19 Update
New COVID-19-related updates for providers of long-term/post-acute care (LTPAC) and senior services continue to be shared on a regular basis by both state and federal authorities. The latest developments are described 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 Jan. 24th, 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
New York State Health Care Personnel Booster Mandate to Take Effect Feb. 21st
The Department of Health (DOH) released guidance on Jan. 21st notifying “covered entities” that new regulations had taken effect requiring health care personnel to receive COVID-19 booster vaccinations. The booster mandate will not be enforced until Feb. 21st. It requires personnel to receive “any booster or supplemental dose as recommended by the CDC, absent receipt of a medical exemption.” Click here for more information.
New York Mask Mandate Remains in Effect After Appellate Court Ruling
On Jan. 25th, an appeals court judge blocked a lower court ruling made the previous day to end the statewide mask mandate for schools and public places put in place by Governor Hochul in December. Click here for more information.
Return to Work Guidance by Service Line
LeadingAge NY has compiled the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DOH return to work guidance into a grid broken down by service line. The grid outlines return to work guidelines for members operating under conventional staffing strategies, contingency staffing strategies, and crisis staffing strategies. Click here for more information.
Further Information Regarding HERO Act Workplace Safety Committee Proposed Regulations
As was previously reported, the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking relative to the Workplace Safety Committee required under the HERO Act on Dec. 22nd. LeadingAge NY’s counsel, Hinman Straub, helps analyze the impact for members. Click here for more information.
Nursing Home and Adult Care Facility (ACF)/Assisted Living Updates
Important Provider Relief Training to Be Held Feb. 2nd
On Feb. 2nd at 1 p.m., LeadingAge National will be joined by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for a webinar titled Reporting on Nursing Home Infection Control (NHIC) Provider Relief Funds (PRF). The webinar is intended for nursing homes who received more than $10,000 in NHIC funding including Quality Incentive Program (QIP) payments through PRF from July 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020. Registrants can expect guidance on specific infection control reporting nuances related to reporting during PRF Reporting Period 2, which must be completed by March 31st. Click here for more information.
Reminder on Communications with Residents and Families Regarding COVID-19 Infections
Several nursing home members have posed questions regarding the federal and state requirements on communications with residents and families regarding COVID-19 infections. Click here for some clarification.
Clinical Updates from DOH and CDC
LeadingAge NY members should take note of a new DOH advisory on monoclonal antibody treatment recommendations and a new vaccination screening checklist for individuals age 12 and over, as well as updated CDC antigen testing guidance issued on Jan. 20th. Click here for more information.
I’m Confused About the Updated Isolation and Quarantine Guidance and What It Means for ACFs
ACF members have been understandably confused with recent guidance issued regarding isolation and quarantine. We hope this clears things up.