NYS Issues Revised Guidance on Staff Testing

The COVID-19 State of Emergency in New York State ended on June 24, 2021. Starting June 25, 2021, requirements for staff testing in Nursing Homes will be governed by CMS QSO 20-38- NH Revised April 27, 2021. https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-38-nh-revised.pdf .This DAL explains those requirements for nursing homes licensed in NYS.

Routine COVID-19 Testing of Nursing Home Personnel Effective Immediately:

Operators and administrators of all nursing homes are required to test or arrange for the routine testing for COVID-19 of all personnel who have not been fully vaccinated, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including employees, contract staff, medical staff, operators and administrators, for COVID-19 once per month consistent with county positivity rates and the updated April 27, 2021 CMS guidance (QSO 20- 38-NH) which stated “vaccinated staff do not need to be routinely tested.”

Until further notice, any positive test result must continue to be reported to the Department by 1:00 p.m. of the day following receipt of such test results, in accordance with existing reporting protocols and mechanisms, and including but limited to data entry to the Electronic Clinical Laboratory Reporting System (ECLRS). See full DAL here.

NYSHFA/NYSCAL CONTACTS:

Lisa Volk, RN, B.P.S., LNHA
Director, Clinical & Quality Services
518-462-4800 x15

Jackie Pappalardi, RN, BSN
Executive Director
518-462-4800 x16