NYSHFA Participated in a Call with the New York State Department of Health
NYSHFA participated in a call with the NYSDOH this morning in which several updates were provided. Please see below for highlights from the meeting:
- Update to the Daily HERDS Survey
The daily HERDS survey is still required to be completed daily, however the questions on the survey have been significantly reduced. Questions removed include those that are no longer relevant (i.e., PPE shipments). The new survey was live as of this morning.
- COVID Only Facilities
There are only 7 COVID only facilities that remain operating in NYS at this time. They include Harris Hill, Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale, The Plaza at the Citadel, Terence Cardinal Cooke, Salem Hills, Seacrest, and Beach Gardens.
- Vaccine Finder
It has been clarified that long-term care facilities that do not plan on vaccinating the general public, do not need to register at vaccines.gov.
- Certification of Compliance
This is a new section on the Weekly Testing Survey. The majority of facilities are certifying compliance. Facility vaccine rates are posted publicly.
https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/federal-long-term-care-facility-program
- 1135 Waivers Rescinded
Effective May 10th, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have rescinded pieces of the 1135 waiver including those associated with MDS Assessments, PBJ Submissions, and Transfer and Room Changes. Please see attached.
- CMP Awards
The NYSDOH announced they have awarded 364 nursing homes funds to assist in facilitating in-person visitation.
- Changes in Leadership in the Western Region
Gale Ajavon in Rochester Regional Office will be retiring as of today. Kristin Hoogland will now be the Survey Manager. Gloria Duffey had previously retired in the Buffalo Regional Office, and Russ Barone will now be taking over as Survey Manager for the region.
- Long-Term Care Ombudsmen
Facilities are reminded they must allow the Ombudsman access to residents as required and they are not required to make an appointment to see residents ahead of time.
NYSHFA/NYSCAL CONTACTS:
Jackie Pappalardi, RN, BSN
Executive Director
518-462-4800 x16
Lisa Volk, RN, B.P.S., LNHA
Director, Clinical & Quality Services
518-462-4800 x15
