Sept. 13th COVID-19 Update
New updates pertaining to the COVID-19 emergency 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 reviewed 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 Sept. 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 or would like the access information, please contact Jeff Diamond.
Cross-Sector Updates
Governor Hochul Lets Executive Order 11 Lapse, Ending Disaster Emergency Provisions
This week, Governor Hochul allowed Executive Order (EO) 11 and its related subsequent EOs to lapse, effectively ending the Disaster Emergency provisions originally promulgated to address the COVID-19 Omicron variant and coordinate steps to ensure hospital capacity throughout the state.
EO 11 also required the State to support localities in vaccination efforts and provided some contracting flexibilities for the State. Other provisions afforded under the EO have since been suspended. This EO expired Sept. 12th.
LeadingAge NY is monitoring the status of EO 4 and its subsequent versions, which declared a Disaster Emergency due to health care staffing shortages. This EO expires Sept. 27th. More information is available here. We will advocate for continuation of EO 4, knowing that staffing challenges remain a top concern for long term care providers.
State Issues Advisory on Masking in Certain Indoor Settings
The Department of Health (DOH) issued a COVID-19 Advisory on Sept. 7th regarding masking in indoor settings. The Advisory leans in a more flexible direction regarding masking in community settings by rescinding the current masking requirements in correctional facilities and detention centers, shelters (including overnight emergency shelters, day shelters, and meal service providers), and public transportation hubs and transportation conveyances. However, it states that congregate living settings continue to be at increased risk for transmission.
The document continues masking recommendations for individuals in the community with COVID-19 or exposure to it. Please note that these recommendations were recently relaxed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and now apply to individuals regardless of who is up-to-date or not fully vaccinated.
The Advisory continues to require masking in certain health care settings for both health care personnel and visitors. Click here for more information.
NYC DOHMH Reminds Nursing Homes, ACFs, and Home Care Providers of NYC PPE Service Center Availability
Last week, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) issued this reminder to nursing homes, adult care facilities (ACFs), and home care providers regarding the availability of the NYC Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Service Center for their COVID-19-related PPE stockpile needs. Members should be sure to review the message and send any inquiries to the NYC DOHMH PPE Support email at PPEsupport@health.nyc.gov.
Nursing Home Updates
State Nursing Home Surveyors Will Apply Old Up-to-Date Definition Until Further Notice
A state DOH official informed LeadingAge NY on Sept. 12th that based on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) instructions, its nursing home surveyors will apply the old COVID-19 vaccine “up-to-date” definition, requiring only the monovalent booster, until further notice. Click here for more information.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Updates
CMS Extends Hospice Telehealth Flexibilities
In August, CMS released new fact sheets on updated provider flexibilities granted during the Public Health Emergency (PHE). CMS’ initial hospice fact sheet stated that the face-to-face telehealth flexibilities would end with the end of the PHE, despite legislation passed earlier this year that would extend the flexibilities 151 days past the end of the PHE. The new fact sheet officially extends these flexibilities to the day after the 151st day following the end of the PHE.