Jan. 17th 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 outlined 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 Tues., Jan. 17th due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 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
State Trial Court Enjoins State Health Care Personnel Vaccination Mandate
Last week, a New York State Supreme Court judge issued a decision enjoining enforcement of the State’s health care personnel vaccination mandate on the grounds that the Department of Health (DOH) had exceeded its statutory authority and acted capriciously. The implications of the decision by the trial-level court are not immediately clear. Click here for more information.
COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits Now Available for HUD 202 Programs and All LeadingAge Provider Settings and Communities
LeadingAge National has partnered with the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to launch an opportunity for all aging services providers, including Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 202 programs, to order free COVID-19 rapid test kits through its website. There are two portals for ordering tests, one for HUD 202 programs and another for all other health care providers and communities. Click here for more information.
Affordable Housing/Independent Living Updates
Just Announced: Additional LeadingAge National Office Hours on HUD CSPs
HUD’s fifth round of COVID-19 Supplemental Payments (CSPs) are currently open for request. CSPs can help HUD-assisted multifamily housing providers cover unbudgeted COVID-19 costs at properties, including staffing, security, and cleaning costs, as well as some capital costs such as internet or backup generator installation. To be eligible for this round of funding, projects must be completed by Jan. 31st, and requests for reimbursement must be submitted to HUD by Feb. 21st.
To help answer members’ questions as they prepare to request funds, LeadingAge National will host a second round of CSP “Office Hours” on Thurs., Jan. 19th from 2 to 3:30 p.m. ET. Members can register for the call here and send any advance questions to Juliana Bilowich at jbilowich@leadingage.org.
LeadingAge National has also compiled HUD’s answers to members’ questions on CSPs so far here.