Dear Administrator Letter and Q&A Issued Regarding AHHA Implementation

The Department of Health (DOH) issued a Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) last week which gives providers guidance on preparing for and utilizing the new Advanced Home Health Aide (AHHA) position. The document indicates that DOH requires a written request to add the role of AHHA to a license or operating certificate and that certain policies and procedures will be required. The DAL references the new regulations and the training and certification required for the position. It puts into plain language much of the regulation, including advanced tasks allowed, those not allowed, and task assignment and supervision provisions, including the requirement that the AHHA and the supervising RN have the same employer. Following the DAL is a Question and Answer document that offers more information. It touches upon orders for services provided by AHHAs, routinely administered narcotics, agency requirements, certification requirements, and in-service requirements.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding rollout of the AHHA position requirement, training, or more, and if we need to seek clarification on any issues with DOH.

Contact: Meg Carr Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871