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Nov. 30th 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 Nov. 29th, 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

Governor Issues New EO Declaring State of Emergency and Extends Previous EO on Health Care Staffing Shortages

Last week, Governor Hochul issued an executive order (EO) declaring a state of emergency, which implements various activities to activate the Surge and Flex Health Care Coordination System. In addition, the EO authorizing certain flexibilities aimed at ameliorating workforce challenges was extended. Click here to learn more about these actions and what they mean for you.

State Issues Updated Vaccination Guidance

On Nov. 21st, the State issued updated vaccination guidance including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recent approval of boosters for individuals 18 years and older and a third primary dose for individuals 12 and older who are immunocompromised. New consent forms have also been posted. Members are encouraged to review the new guidance, which also details dosage considerations for Moderna boosters and what to do when residents or staff have been vaccinated outside of the U.S. Please also review the Department of Health (DOH) vaccination provider site, which includes the full listing of guidance issued on COVID-19 vaccination, including recent guidance for vaccination of pediatric populations.

ARP Rural Requirements

On Nov. 23rd, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), began distributing American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural payments to providers and suppliers who serve rural Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicare beneficiaries. The ARP Rural payments are being made to providers based on the amount and type of services they provide to Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP patients who live in rural areas, as defined by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. Click here for more information, including a review of new requirements listed in the ARP Rural Terms and Conditions.

Nursing Home and Adult Care Facility (ACF)/Assisted Living Updates

DOH Issues Second Directive to Nursing Homes and ACFs to Make Boosters Available to Residents

DOH issued another Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) last week reminding nursing homes and ACFs to make boosters available to all eligible residents.

Pursuant to 10 NYCRR §§ 66-4.1 nursing homes must ensure that all residents, once eligible, have an opportunity to receive an appropriate booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine and pursuant to 10 NYCRR §§ 66-4.2, adult care facilities must make diligent efforts to arrange for all eligible residents to register for an appointment to receive their booster dose. As required by regulation, nursing homes and adult care facilities must keep proper documentation of those residents who are eligible but decline to receive a booster dose.

Questions or concerns regarding this correspondence can be addressed to covidnursinghomeinfo@health.ny.gov or covidadultcareinfo@health.ny.gov based on the specific facility.

Members should reach out to LeadingAge NY if they are experiencing challenges with this task.