Visitation
Individuals are encouraged to visit loved ones in nursing homes or adult care facilities. Visits may take place in the resident’s room, dedicated visitation spaces, and outdoors, depending on the facility’s structure and the resident’s needs. Nursing homes and adult care facilities adhere to infection control and prevention standards that reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Vaccinations
Nursing homes and adult care facilities must facilitate vaccinations for all residents. All new nursing home residents and residents readmitted to the facility must have an opportunity to receive the first or any required next dose of the COVID-19 vaccine within 14 days of having been admitted or readmitted to such facility, as applicable. For all adult care facility residents, within seven days of admission or readmission, the facility shall make diligent efforts to schedule all consenting and eligible new or readmitted residents for the COVID-19 vaccination.
Letter to nursing home administrators regarding vaccine requirements for residents and staff.
As of September 27, 2021, all nursing home staff must be vaccinated with at least one dose of vaccine. As of October 7, 2021, all adult care facility staff must have received at least one dose of vaccine.
Long-term care facilities are expected to adhere to the infection prevention and control standards, quarantine requirements, and testing standards set forth by CMS and CDC.
Guidance
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Nursing Home Testing, Cohorting and Visitation Guidance
October 13, 2022 - The purpose of this health advisory is to provide nursing homes with updated information on masking, cohorting, visitation and nursing home staff and resident testing requirements
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DAL NH 22-13 COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Doses
April 5, 2022 - Alerting nursing home providers that the NYSDOH has identified an increase in COVID-19 cases among nursing home residents and staff and the need to remain vigilant with maintaining infection prevention and control measures is critical to ensuring the highest level of health and safety.
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Nursing Home Testing Requirements: DAL 21-23
Updated October 27, 2021 - The purpose of this Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) is to confirm that nursing homes licensed in NYS should follow the requirements for routine testing of nursing home personnel as well as testing of symptomatic or exposed staff and residents.
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Guidance for Transportation Managers and Brokers (MLTC)
Updated September 14, 2021 - This guidance overrides the transportation section in the previously released guidance on Medical Modal Adult Day Health Care Program.
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Commissioner’s Determination on Indoor Masking Pursuant to 10 NYCRR 2.60
Updated September 7, 2022 - Read the Commissioner's determination about requiring the wearing of face coverings/masks in certain indoor settings.
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Health Advisory: Nursing Home Cohorting FAQs
Aug. 6, 2021 — This NYSDOH Health Advisory supersedes the Health Advisory: Nursing Home Cohorting FAQs dated May 13, 2020.
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Updated COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Adult Care Facilities
July 1, 2021 - DAL #21-16: Updated COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Adult Care Facilities (ACFs)
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Reopening Guidance for Medical Model Adult Day Health Care Program
July 23, 2021 - This guidance authorizes the thoughtful and safe resumption of ADHC services to programs interested in reopening. NOTE: New transportation guidance overrides the transportation section found in this guidance.
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Health Advisory: Updated Adult Care Facility Visitation, Communal Dining and Activities and Construction Projects
July 8, 2021 - The information contained in this guidance supersedes and replaces all previously issued Adult Care Facility (ACF) visitation guidance and recommendations.
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Notification: Hospital Executive Officer and Nursing Home Administrators
July 2, 2021 - Executive Order 202.30, as modified, which required Article 28 general hospitals to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result prior to discharge to a nursing home, as well as Dear Administrator Letters ACF #20-14 and NH #20-07, dated May 11, 2020, which extended this requirement to test patients prior to discharge to an adult care facility, have now expired.
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When You Are Fully Vaccinated
June 2021 - Flyer on procedures for mask use, in the work place and at events and gatherings when you're fully vaccinated.
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Reopening Guidance for Adult Care Facility Day Programs for Non-Residents
May 3, 2021 - Adult care facilities (ACFs) provide a variety of services including those delivered to individuals who are not residents of the ACF.
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Discontinuation of Transmission-Based Precautions for Patients with COVID-19 Who Are Hospitalized or in Nursing Homes, Adult Care Facilities, or Other Congregate Settings with Vulnerable Residents
Updated May 3, 2021 - Provides both a non-test-based and test-based strategy and recommendations for discontinuing transmission-based precautions for patients/residents, including those severely compromised, with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
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DAL NH-21-04: Skilled Nursing Facility Vaccine Post Long Term Care Federal Program (February 4, 2021)
DAL NH-21-04: Skilled Nursing Facility Vaccine Post Long Term Care Federal Program
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Salon Services in Adult Care Facilities
Adult Care Facilities (ACFs) and Nursing Homes (NH) may resume in-house salon services, provided that the facility is able to adhere to all local, state, and federal requirements as applicable, relative to hair salons and barbershops.
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Health Advisory: Universal Use of Eye Protection
November 24, 2020 - NYSDOH strongly recommends universal use of eye protection by healthcare personnel for all patient interactions, in addition to face masks, throughout New York State.
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In-Service Requirements for Personal Care Aides and Home Health Aides
This guidance is intended for Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs), Long Term Home Health Care Programs (LTHHCPs), AIDS home care programs, Hospices and Licensed Home Care Services Agencies (LHCSAs).
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DAL NH-21-16 Nursing Home Construction/Renovation Requirements
This advisory is to inform nursing home operators of current allowances regarding the resumption of construction/renovation projects at nursing home facilities.
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