DOH Monthly Briefing – July 2021
DOH held its Monthly Briefing earlier today. The following summarizes the topics discussed: Budget Items- Nursing Homes Reform – Internal DOH conversations continue regarding the nursing home reform issues contained in the 2021/22 Executive Budget. Further guidance will be issued.
-
- 70/40 Staffing Requirements - NYSHFA has repeatedly requested information and updates on the Department’s promulgation of the 70/40 regulations. A representative from the DOH stated that the 70/40 staffing regulations are currently being developed and the State expects to issue draft regulations during the last two weeks in August, followed by a 60-day public comment period. Although the 70/40 staffing requirements are effective 1/1/22, the 2022 RHCF data utilized for the 70/40 staffing requirement will not be submitted and analyzed until mid to late 2023. As such, financial impacts related to the 70/40 regulations would then be retroactive to 1/1/22.
- July 2021 Case Mix – DOH has issued guidance for its 6-month rolling MDS collection period (Oct 2020 – Mar 2021) utilizing all MDS data points. As you are aware, DOH has been advancing this initiative for some time and this rolling process will replace the historical 92-day look-back period. As such, NYSHFA has continuously stressed to our members that they treat each MDS as if they were in the historical reimbursement “catchment period.” The 7/1/21 DAL outlined the MDS collection period changes. Members should be reviewing their census data currently, as all changes are due by 7/23/21. Final MDS certifications are due by 7/30/21. The DOH webinar held last week and related Q&A’s will be posted to both the HCS and he DOH website in the near future.
- 7/1/21 Rates – Following completion of the MDS collection period (see above) the 7/1/21 rates will be immediately developed. Expect issuance sometime during mid to late September (following the normal DOB approval process).
Read More