June 20th 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 Tues., June 20th due to Juneteenth, 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
EO 4 Workforce Flexibilities Extended to June 22nd; Legislation Awaits Governor’s Signature
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.
PHHPC Committee Considers Health Equity CON Reg, Amendments to PPE Stockpile Reg, and COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate Removal
The Public Health and Health Planning Council’s (PHHPC) Codes Committee recommended adoption of the proposed Health Equity Certificate of Need (CON) regulation and approval of a change in the personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpile requirements for COVID-19-only nursing homes at a meeting on June 15th. The Codes Committee also discussed a draft regulation removing the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for health care personnel. Click here for more information.
Nursing Home Updates
CDC Offers Training on Weekly NHSN COVID-19 Vaccination Reporting
Earlier this month, nursing home providers had an opportunity to learn about changes that will impact reporting using the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Long Term Care COVID-19 Surveillance Pathways. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also offering training that will review upcoming changes to the reporting of staff and resident COVID-19 vaccination status. A session on the reporting changes will be offered on June 27th at 2 p.m. A session focusing on the reporting tools, the Person Level Forms, will be held on June 23rd at 2 p.m. and rebroadcast on June 30th. Registration is required and can be found here. Eventually, a recording of the sessions will be posted on this same page.
The slides and recording of the training focused on changes to the Surveillance Pathways is available here under the “Training” heading.
DOH Presents Webinar on Medicaid Recertification and NAMI for Nursing Homes
After a three-year suspension, Medicaid eligibility recertifications have restarted, beginning with individuals whose eligibility authorization ends in June 2023. The Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with other agencies and organizations, has developed a process to recertify the nearly 7 million individuals affected and has been focused on ensuring that New Yorkers maintain health insurance coverage during the process. The session, titled “End of Continuous Coverage Requirement, Medicaid Renewals/Determinations, and Net Available Monthly Income (NAMI) Calculations,” was presented on June 14th and outlined the State’s plan to ensure that all recipients are recertified by June 2024. DOH presenters also outlined how NAMI, the amount that a nursing home resident whose care is covered by Medicaid is responsible to contribute toward their services, is calculated. Click here for more information.