DOH Issues DALs for ACFs on First Aid Training and Updated Community and Legal Resources

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued two new directives in this past week.

The first Dear Administrator letter (DAL) relates to the requirement in adult home regulation which requires at least one individual currently qualified by a recognized organization to administer basic first aid be on duty and onsite at all times. Those facilities that want to use a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse to maintain compliance with this regulation must ensure that the nurse has up-to-date documentation of First Aid Training. The DAL notes that while this requirement does not apply to Enriched Housing Programs (EHPs), DOH would like to see EHPs incorporate the same practice. Please review the DAL carefully for information regarding timeframe for compliance, surveillance on this regulation, and resources.

DOH also issued a DAL announcing an updated version of the Adult Care Facility (ACF) Legal Services Agencies and Community Resources Providing Resident Advocacy Services Guide. Since the last version was issued, new information for the Capital District has been added; specifically, Greene County resources, which are found on page eleven. Please update your copy with this information. ACF members are reminded that regulations require, when issuing a termination notice, to provide this resource to the resident in addition to other required information.  

If you have any questions about either of these DALs, you may contact DOH’s Division of ACF/Assisted Living Surveillance at (518) 408-1133 for further clarification.

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828