June 13th COVID-19 Update
New updates pertaining to COVID-19 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 outlined 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 June 12th, 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, which will be held on Tues., June 20th at 11 a.m. due to Juneteenth, or would like the access information, please contact Jeff Diamond.
Cross-Sector Updates
EO 4 Workforce Flexibilities Extended to June 22nd
Governor Hochul has renewed Executive Order (EO) 4, which establishes flexibilities to address health care workforce shortages. This renewal is through June 22nd. EO 4.22 is available here.
In addition, the Assembly and Senate have passed legislation providing for the temporary authorization of licensure applications for out-of-state registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and physicians. Click here for more information.
Nursing Home and Adult Care Facility (ACF)/Assisted Living (AL) Updates
Free Fit Testing Services for NYC ACF and Nursing Home Providers
LeadingAge NY ACF and nursing home members are encouraged to consider participating in a free Respiratory Protection Programs (RPPs) for Long Term Care Facilities program being offered by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). The program offers free mobile fit testing services through a vendor, TRC Environmental Corporation. LeadingAge NY had recommended this initiative based on member feedback, but it has not been widely utilized to date.
See this brochure for a complete overview of activities planned in the program, as well as necessary documents containing program guidelines. More information about the program and NYC DOHMH contacts can be found here.
DOH Schedules Webinar on PHE Unwind Issues for Nursing Homes
The Department of Health (DOH) is offering nursing home providers a webinar at 10 a.m. this Wed., June 14th, on issues related to the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). The session, now titled “End of Continuous Coverage Requirement, Medicaid Renewals/Determinations, and Net Available Monthly Income (NAMI) Calculations,” was rescheduled from a previous date. Medicaid eligibility recertification and NAMI updates are resuming after being mostly suspended during the past three years. Registration is required and is available here. For those unable to attend live, DOH has indicated that the session will be recorded and distributed.
Nursing Homes Reopening Their ADHC Programs or Considering Reopening Should Connect with ADHCC
The Adult Day Health Care Council (ADHCC) is urging nursing homes currently reopening their adult day health care (ADHC) programs, or considering doing so soon, to reach out to Meg Everett, Executive Director, to inform ADHCC of the status of their programs.
As nursing home members may know, DOH will be announcing to ADHC programs soon the availability of American Rescue Plan (ARP) Enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (eFMAP) monies for all open or actively reopening ADHC programs. This funding will be in the form of non-competitive directed payments. DOH has yet to announce the funding opportunity or the parameters for spending, but in late 2022 stated that the opportunity would likely be posted in early summer 2023, with distribution of funds in fall 2023. Click here for more information.