Weekly Q&A
Q. I am an ALR and I am completing the consumer summary facility form per new guidance related to the collection of quality measures for ALRs. The form requires facilities to enter the DOH website link. I am unsure of what to include here.
A. ALRs may leave this field blank as the Department has not yet created the webpage necessary for ALR quality reporting metrics. If you are unsure of what other information to include on your form before submitting it, reach out to Kristin DeVries at kdevries@nyshfa-nyscal.org. While the submission date was January 31, the Department recognizes that this is a new process for facilities and that flexibility is needed.
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Q. Is it acceptable practice to pre-pour medications?
A. The simple answer is no. Not only is it dangerous, but the law states that medications shall be administered as soon as possible after the doses are prepared. For controlled substances, the law states doses of controlled substances shall be withdrawn from the container immediately before administration is to be made to the patient.
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Q. Is the facility expected to provide sleeping-compatible furniture in the resident’s room (is that even permitted?)? A separate room?
A. Additional furniture is not required, although it is appreciated if available. Consider whether the room is shared or designated for single occupancy. A separate room is also not mandatory; however, if you plan to use a separate room for visitors, you will need to meet the necessary equivalency requirements.
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Q. Are ACFs required to report outbreaks in NORA like nursing homes are?
A. No, ACFs do not have to report in NORA. However, they must report outbreaks to their respective local health departments.
NYSHFA | NYSCAL CONTACT:
Kristin DeVries, MA, MPP
Director of Assisted Living and Strategic Communications
kdevries@nyshfa-nyscal.org
