March 28th 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 March 27th, 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 Extends EO 4 Declaring Health Care Staffing Shortage
Governor Hochul renewed Executive Order (EO) 4 last week, carrying forward flexibilities to address health care worker staffing shortages. EO 4.19 was issued on March 23rd and is a simple extender. No modifications or expirations to EO provisions are included. Previous LeadingAge NY Intelligence articles on EOs 4 and 4.1 provide further detail. Click here for various EO 4 versions.
PRF + ARP Rural Funding = March 31st Reporting Deadline
Final reminder that members who received combined Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and/or American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural funding exceeding $10,000 in the aggregate from July 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2021 are required to report on use of the funds by 11:59 p.m. ET on March 31st. Failure to report on time may result in recovery of the funds. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Reporting page with resources is available here.
Nursing Home and Adult Care Facility (ACF)/Assisted Living (AL) Updates
Active Screening Not Required for Nursing Home Staff
The Department of Health (DOH) clarified in an email to LeadingAge NY staff on March 27th that active screening at entry for COVID-19 infections, symptoms, and exposures is no longer required for nursing home staff. Passive screening is acceptable for both staff and visitors. Facilities that wish to continue active staff screening are free to do so. Click here for more information.
DOH FAQs on COVID-19 Antigen Testing Require Serial Tests for Symptomatic Individuals
DOH issued Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) last week regarding the use of point-of-care (POC) and at-home COVID-19 antigen tests. The FAQs were issued in response to changes in the tests’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorizations (EUAs) regarding serial testing of symptomatic individuals. Specifically, the FDA is requiring test manufacturers to instruct users to conduct serial testing of both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals who test negative. Click here for more information.
LeadingAge NY Comments on Health Equity CON and PPE Stockpile Draft Regulations
The Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) will consider draft regulations to implement health equity impact assessments (HEIAs) of nursing home, hospital, and clinic certificate of need (CON) applications and an extension of the personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpile requirements for nursing homes and hospitals at its meeting on March 30th. LeadingAge NY submitted comments on both regulations. Click here for more information.