NYSDOH Update on Key Issues

NYSDOH shared an update on pressing issues with NYSHFA|NYSCAL members, including:

• Correctly completing the HERDS survey to document the number of staff with medical exemptions at your facility. There should not be any entries into the “Other Exemption” category. Each facility should have a policy defining the review and documentation process for medical exemptions including the nature and duration of the medical exemption. Granting medical exemptions are for a time limited period.
• The Federal injunction does not affect the NYS mandate for staff vaccination requirements as part of their employment in the NYS facilities.
• Visitation in the facilities is in alignment with the CMS QSO 20-39 NH (revised November 12, 2021).
• Personal Care Visitation is in effect in NYS during the NYS Public Health Emergency per the Governor’s Executive Order. Facilities must have a written policy that includes working with the resident to designate two personal caregiving visitors (PCV), include names in the resident’s care plan, set established times for visits and ensure education is provided to the PCV on the core infection control principles.
• Please contact the Surge and Flex Center at 917- 909-2676 with concerns about staffing, patient care capacity, or other triage concerns. The Surge and Flex Operations Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• NYSDOH expects to release a second Supplemental Survey next week to collect ongoing numbers of the administration of COVID-19 Boosters given to residents. “Please be reminded that the booster question on HERDS is cumulative and each facility needs to report the total number of the current in-house resident census who have received a booster shot of the COVID vaccine in the HERDS survey.” The facility’s cumulative booster numbers will be tabulated by NYSDOH for public reporting purposes.

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