July 27th 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 discussed 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 July 26th, is available here. If you have questions for next week’s update, please send them to Ami Schnauber, and be sure to check your email for the access information, or contact Jeff Diamond.
Cross-Sector Updates
New Advisory for Discontinuation of Home Isolation for People with COVID-19 Who Are Not in ACFs or Nursing Homes
On July 23rd, the Department of Health (DOH) issued updated guidance, Health Advisory: Discontinuation of Home Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 Who Are Not in Health Care Facilities or Congregate Settings, which supersedes May 30, 2020 guidance. This guidance relates to people living in the community, not adult care facility (ACF) and nursing home settings. Click here to review some of the highlights.
Nursing Home Updates
DOH Issues Guidance on Nursing Home Construction and Renovation Projects
On July 23rd, 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. Click here for more information.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)/Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) Updates
DOH Issues Guidance Rescinding Previous COVID-19 Guidance for Community-Based Long-Term Services and Supports
On July 26th, DOH issued new guidance that rescinds the guidance issued on March 18, 2020 and updated on April 8, 2020 entitled COVID-19 Guidance for the Authorization of Community Based Long-Term Services and Supports Covered by Medicaid. Click here for more information.
DOH Extends Enforcement Discretion for Home Care In-Service Requirements
Over the weekend, DOH issued guidance advising home care providers that it will continue to exercise enforcement discretion when surveying providers for compliance with various in-service requirements. Click here for more information.
DOH Issues Guidance on Home Care Agency Recruitment Offices and Remote Operations
On July 16th, DOH issued a DAL related to the establishment of recruitment offices and remote operations of home care agencies in response to operational changes that may have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for more information.