DOH Issues ACF Cold Weather Advisory
(Oct. 1, 2025) During extended periods of cold temperatures, adult care facilities (ACFs) are expected to provide residents with a comfortable and safe environment and to take the necessary precautions to prevent cold-related conditions. Section 461-q of NYS Social Services Law requires the Department of Health (DOH) to set allowable temperatures for resident-occupied areas of the facility. Regulatory compliance requires that ACFs be maintained at a safe and comfortable temperature level. When the outside temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit or less (18 degrees Celsius or less), ACFs must maintain the inside temperature in residents’ bedrooms and all common areas at the following temperatures as required by regulation at Title 18 of NY Codes, Rules, and Regulations (NYCRR):
- Adult Homes: A minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius)
- Residences for Adults: A minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius)
- Enriched Housing Programs: A minimum temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius), unless the Operator can demonstrate that the building is in compliance with local heating requirements which are lower, and that the Operator does not have control of the building
Many ACFs have added standby power generators as a measure to maintain operations during outage periods. Please ensure that generators are properly maintained to function as designed, as their ability to generate temperature control devices may make a difference in resident comfort.
Additional information regarding steps to be taken by ACFs in cold weather, steps to prevent hypothermia and frostbite, and symptoms of cold exposure and treatment can be found in DOH's Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) Division of ACF and Assisted Living Surveillance (DACF) #25-06, issued on Oct. 1st. This information is to be posted in a conspicuous area in your facility that is accessible by both staff and residents.
If you have any questions regarding the information in the DAL, please contact your Regional Office or write to acfinfo@health.ny.gov.
Contact: Amy Nelson, anelson@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383 ext. 146