Category: General News

HCA Is Heading To Washington To Fight Medicare Cuts

July 17, 2024

HCA is headed to Washington, DC to meet members of the NYS Congressional delegation to advocate against the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) devastating cuts in their proposed Calendar Year 2025 Home Health Payment Rule under the Patient Driven Groupings Model (PDGM).

HCA will meet with a wide group of delegation offices to educate the officials and staffs of the nature, severity and ramifications of the CMS Rule and associated cuts to home health care in NYS.

In late June, CMS issued its proposed Rule for 2025, which adds huge, severe cuts to home health payment on top of the past two prior years’ cuts.

As the Rule is currently in the proposal stage, it is essential to launch a counter and corrective voice as quickly as possible, to gain preemptive support for a rollback by CMS, or if necessary, a complete halt to the Rule by Congress.

These cuts are especially perilous to New York providers in light of home health’s extensive role in our state’s health care system; the financial cutbacks and limitations that our agencies already must operate with; the continued workforce shortages which are still compounded in New York from COVID’s impact; waiting lists for home health services; access challenges to home care that impacts the entire system, including the related demand burden in ERs and in hospital inpatient units across the state; and more.

All HCA CHHAs and concerned members are invited to join in these July 18 Congressional meetings in the US Capitol. We will also be urging subsequent member meetings with their officials in their district offices, along with other grassroots legislative action for Congressional support in halting these cuts.

Thursday’s meetings in DC will begin in the morning around 9:00 or 9:30 AM, and continue through the day until 4:00 or 5:00 PM. Members will be accompanied in the meetings by HCA President Al Cardillo, HCA’s Federal Government Relations Director Brett Heimov, and others. Over the next day, HCA will confirm the exact meeting times and locations in the Congressional Office Buildings with the individual Delegation offices.

Please let HCA know at bvogel@hcanys.org if you intend to join; we will follow up with you to register your attendance with us and guide your participation.

Please take a look at our draft HCA advocacy documents (to be finalized with any contributions of member data we receive) that we plan to use in these meetings, in conjunction with information we receive from our national affiliate, the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) ahead of Thursday.

Your Information Will Make a Critical Contribution!

Regardless of whether you join us in person, please consider sending us data, anecdotes, or other evidence that can contribute to our advocacy materials or messaging during these visits. If you have this to share, please send it directly to Brandon Vogel at bvogel@hcanys.org. We will combine your contributions together with our resources to build the strongest arguments we can for our association and our sector.

Join HCA for the Virtual Senior Financial Managers Summit on March 13

February 28, 2024

In this first gathering of the year for HCA’s Home Health, Hospice, MLTC financial leaders, we have a robust program that hits key need-to-know topics.  Attendees will get the latest news on the status and implications of the Governor’s proposed 2024-25 Executive Budget for home health and hospice, as well as fiscal intermediaries in the Consumer Directed Program and Medicaid Long Term Care Plans (MLTCPs). HCA will also provide updates on our state and federal advocacy efforts on issues that impact your financial bottom lines.   

Attendees will also receive updates from the Office of Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) on their Medicaid Self-Disclosure Program that impact both Providers and Plans, the Department of Health (DOH) Office of Health Insurance Plans on rate adjustments that impacts MLTC plans directly and providers that contract with them. HCA’s Certified Home Health Agency (CHHA) members will receive an update on how providers in New York are doing in the Medicare Home Health Value Based Purchasing (HHVBP) program and ways to improve your performance. HCA also has a session specifically designed for our Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA) members on timely labor law issues including wage parity and minimum wage requirements, as well as the latest on Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) and much more. 

As HCA’s Vice President of Finance & Management, I strongly encourage all our Finance Leaders and CEO’s to register for this terrific program. 

Patrick Conole 

Critical Week for Home Care Advocacy, Don’t Wait to Pitch In

February 28, 2024

HCA is extremely concerned about this year’s evolving State Budget. The Governor’s proposed budget and subsequent 30-day amendments very simply threaten the existence of core parts of the home healthcare system in New York State.

Time is of the essence over these next several days, especially as the Senate and Assembly are caucusing internally this week to determine priorities in preparing their own individual one-house budget bills, that will either put into play or reject the Governor’s proposals, as well as to advance their own separate budget initiatives. It is imperative that these bills reject the Governor’s Article 36 Hospital at Home proposal, reject amendments to the Hospital-Home Care-Physician Collaboration Law (§2805-x), reject the Governor’s cuts and both CDPAP and MLTC reforms, as well as add crucial funding for home care and hospice.

Without the strongest and most engaged advocacy we have delivered, this budget’s proposals stand to fundamentally undermine Article 36 by allowing hospitals and other entities to deliver care and services in patient homes without licensure to do so, circumventing the very structure of home healthcare delivery that has existed for decades. As if that threat isn’t significant enough, the Executive Budget proposes to impose further strain on the industry by:

  • undermining the Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) infrastructure they fought so hard to create, through MLTC rate reductions, eliminating the quality pool and instituting a procurement process;
  • prohibiting an MLTC and/or Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA) and/or Fiscal Intermediary (FI) to own, be owned, control, or be controlled by the same organization or company; and
  • eliminating Wage Parity for personal assistants working within the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP).

HCA continues to fight extremely hard against these proposals, urging a rejection of all of the above by both houses of the legislature in their forthcoming one-house budget proposals.

Further, the Association has asked the Senate and Assembly to include and fund Assemblywoman Paulin’s bill (A7568) in Article VII and Appropriation bills to provide vital funding for home healthcare agencies and hospices, in order to sustain the industry and providers’ ability to meet patient needs.

A concise one page document highlighting HCA priority requests can be located here.

The participation of every home care agency is urgently needed to make this advocacy as impactful as possible. Legislators want and need to hear from you: the individuals casting votes in their districts and taking care of the patients who do the same and employing thousands of workers.

Please take a moment to locate the contact information for your representatives, using this tool, and place a call to their offices. Arrange to have a meeting with them and reiterate the points we have outlined above, or even leave a message with their staff if you are pressed for time! They need to know how important this is to you.

HCA will continue to contact you directly to encourage these legislative meetings and offer assistance. If you are new to this, don’t worry! You can keep it very simple and you don’t need to have all the details to still be effective. Here is a quick overview of the basics! We will be following up on this effort each week via Situation Report, social media, and alerts!

Please contact Alex Fitz at afitz@hcanys.org with any questions or if you need assistance.

2024 State of the Industry Report Now Available!

February 28, 2024

HCANYS has completed its most comprehensive State of the Industry Report — one of the Association’s centerpiece documents for HCANYS 2024 advocacy efforts. This year’s report is web-based only, offering interactive charts, tables and graphs that HCANYS is sharing with lawmakers, the media and on social media. HCANYS encourages all members to use this Report in support of members’ advocacy messaging and meetings.

The report is available here!

This Annual Report brings together an analysis of Medicaid cost report data, home health and hospice statistical report data, state and federal labor statistics, and answers from home care and hospice providers and plans on the most recent financial conditions and trends survey, completed January 2024.

The report draws on data from the most recently available Home Health and Hospice Statistical Reports, 2021 Medicaid cost reports submitted by home care agencies and Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program/Fiscal Intermediaries (CDPAP/FI), and managed care operating reports submitted by Managed Long Term Care and Programs of All–Inclusive Care for the Elderly (MLTC/PACE) programs.

Among the key data: patients served, home and community-based care operating margins, top reported costs, the extent of short-term financing, turnover and vacancy rates, aging demographics and the increase in demand for services, all of which correspond to issues at play in the 2024- 25 state budget.

The report also accompanies HCANYS one-page priority document that the Association released and presented earlier this month during HCANYS’ Advocacy Day.

HCANYS challenges you to act now! Your voice, your concerns, your experiences, and your patients’ stories need to be told. Share this report with your local lawmakers to ensure a future where every New Yorker gets the care they want, need, and deserve – in the comfort of their own home.

If you have questions on this year’s report or how to get involved with HCANYS’ advocacy efforts, please contact Arianna Stone at astone@hcanys.org.

Booster Requirement Eliminated

March 18, 2022

On March 17, the Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) Committee on Codes, Regulations and Legislation approved an emergency regulation proposed by the state Department of Health (DOH) that removes the COVID-19 booster requirement for home care and other health care workers. This action was followed by the full PHHPC approval of this emergency regulation.

Continue reading “Booster Requirement Eliminated” →

FREE Live Webinar March 10: Innovations in Care and Management through Hospital-Home Care Collaboration

March 7, 2022

Join HCA, the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) and the Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) for the next webinar in a series of monthly sessions on hospital-home care collaboration.

The next webinar in our series of monthly sessions on hospital-home care collaboration will be presented Thursday, March 10 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

This session will feature Catholic Health System and Catholic Home Care.

Join the webinar here. The link will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the session.

This webinar will present newest, cutting-edge designs for collaboratives being undertaken by a major hospital system and home health agency. It will delve into the newest areas and approaches employing collaborative strategies. Learn the latest from system leaders on how they are advancing the horizons of health program development and interventions through hospital-home care collaboration.

Add the event to your calendar.

For further background and resources related to the Statewide Collaborative, please click here.

This program is sponsored by HCA, HANYS and IHA as part of the Statewide Hospital-Home Care Collaborative initiative funded to HCA under a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. 

U.S. District Court Issues Restraining Order on NY Vaccine Mandate Regulations

September 14, 2021

As HCA continues its efforts at all levels to press accommodations for home care, hospice agency and employee vaccination under the state’s adoption of an emergency regulatory mandate, the U.S. District Court for the Northern New York District took action entering into the fray today, granting petitioners with a temporary restraining order on the regulations.

Continue reading “U.S. District Court Issues Restraining Order on NY Vaccine Mandate Regulations” →

September 4 Deadline to Provide HERO Act Plan to Employees

September 2, 2021

As HCA previously reported, the New York Health and Essential Rights Act (NY HERO Act) requires employers to adopt and maintain an airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plan to be implemented when an airborne infectious disease is designated by the New York State Commissioner of Health as a “highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health.”

While August 5 was the deadline for adopting such a plan, employers also have to provide the plan in writing to all employees by September 4.

The New York State Business Council advises: Currently, while employers must adopt plans as required by the law, no such designation has been made by the Commissioner and plans are not required to be in effect. It is possible, however, that with the increase in infections as the result of the COVID Delta variant, these plans could be activated. 

The state Department of Labor has posted resources on the HERO Act, including The Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Standard, a Model Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan and industry-specific templates.

For questions or concerns, please contact Andrew Koski or Alyssa Lovelace.

Home Care and Hospice Regulatory Waiver Guidance Now Available

August 24, 2021

The state Department of Health (DOH) posted a Dear Administrator Letter(DAL) that provides an update on home care and hospice regulatory waivers that were issued during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The DAL is available on the DOH home care website.

The DAL notes that the COVID-19 State of Emergency in New York ended on June 25, 2021 and addresses the resumption of routine services for home care and hospice agencies, and under what limited circumstances DOH will continue to exercise ‘enforcement discretion’ in recognition that providers need time to restart and complete activities previously suspended.

Providers are advised to immediately initiate efforts to restart activities and be able to demonstrate to DOH surveyors that there is a plan in place for compliance as soon as practicable.

The DAL addresses the following areas:

  • Supervision of home care aides
  • In-Home Initial Assessments and Reassessments
  • Annual Performance Evaluations
  • Pre-Employment Health Assessments for New Employees and Annual Health Assessments
  • Supervised Practical Training
  • In-Service Training for Personal Care, Home Health and Hospice Aides
  • Home Care Aide Training Program Completion and Submission of Schedules
  • Alternative Competency Demonstration for Personal Care Aides

Please note that as it relates to hospice, the DAL mentions that the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has waived the requirement that hospice aides receive at least 12 hours of annual training. CMS has modified the regulation that requires hospices to annually assess the skills and competence of all individuals furnishing care and provide in-service training and education when required. Specifically, CMS postponed the annual assessment requirement until the end of the first full quarter following the declaration of the end of the federal PHE. HCA is verifying how these federal waivers currently affect hospices in New York State. 

HCA has communicated with DOH, the Legislature and the Executive and has sent regulatory relief recommendations to the state’s key decision-makers. HCA is still reviewing this DAL to determine which relief measures need any further action and which have not been addressed. HCA will continue to monitor all state and federal guidance related to regulatory relief and communicate updates with the membership as more is learned.

Questions related to the exceptions and/or practices should be addressed to covidhomecareinfo@health.ny.gov or to homecare@health.ny.gov.

Providers may also contact Andrew Koski or Alyssa Lovelace.

Emergency Rule to Require COVID-19 Vaccinations for Home Care and Hospice

August 23, 2021

The August 26 meeting agenda of the Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) Special Codes, Regulations and Legislation Committee includes the consideration of an Emergency Rule that would mandate vaccines for “personnel” of Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs), Long Term Home Health Care Programs, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Home Care Programs, Licensed Home Care Service Agencies (LHCSAs) and Limited LHCSAs; hospices; and adult care facilities by October 7 (with limited medical and religious exemptions).

Read the Rule here.

The Rule states that “covered entities” will have to continuously require personnel to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with the first dose for current personnel received by October 7, 2021 (September 27, 2021 for general hospitals and nursing homes).

Agencies will be required to obtain documentation of such vaccination and retain it in personnel or other appropriate records in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

Medical exemptions to the vaccine requirement are allowed if any licensed physician or certified nurse practitioner certifies that immunization with the COVID-19 vaccine is detrimental to the health of the member of a covered entity’s personnel, based upon a pre-existing health condition.

Covered entities will be able to grant a religious exemption for COVID-19 vaccination for personnel if they hold a genuine and sincere religious belief contrary to the practice of immunization.

Entities must also review and make determinations on requests for medical and religious exemptions, which must also be documented in personnel or other appropriate records, as well as any reasonable accommodations to protect the well-being of the patients, residents and personnel in such facilities.

Upon the request of the state Department of Health, covered entities must report and submit documentation for the following:

  • the number and percentage of personnel that have been vaccinated against COVID-19;
  • the number and percentage of personnel for which medical exemptions have been granted;
  • the number and percentage of personnel for which religious exemptions have been granted; and
  • the total number of covered personnel.

The Rule also adds documentation of COVID-19 vaccination or a valid medical or religious exemption to the personnel requirements for CHHAs, LHCSAs and hospices.

These proposed emergency regulations will become effective upon filing with the Department of State and will expire, unless renewed, 90 days from the date of filing.

HCA is currently reviewing this major proposal and its ramifications from all sides with the HCA Board of Directors. This includes critical information that we will send and that must be considered by the PHHPC in weighing these actions on home care, as home care vaccination is an extremely complicated matter.

Regardless of the decision it takes, the Council and the state must attend to the urgent access and support needs in home care, and direct its COVID-related policies in the full and necessary support of this sector, its workforce, agencies and patients.

HCA will follow with an update to the membership on the proposal’s status and the imminent actions the Association takes with the Council.

For questions or concerns, please contact Andrew Koski or Alyssa Lovelace.

2019 CHHA Statistical Report and Hospice Cost and Utilization Report Now Available

August 23, 2021

Today, the state Department of Health (DOH) posted the 2019 Certified Home Health Agency (CHHA)/Long Term Home Health Care Program (LTHHCP) Statistical Report and 2019 Hospice Cost and Utilization Report on the Health Commerce System (HCS).

Access DOH’s Dear Administrator here.

The reports must be submitted by October 8, 2021.

All CHHAs, LTHHCPs and hospices are required to complete and submit the 2019 reports.

Failure to submit all required information will subject the agency to enforcement action, resulting in the agency being liable for civil penalties for violations under Article 36 (CHHAs and LTHHCPs) or Article 40 (hospices) of the Public Health Law and New York State Medical Facilities Code.

DOH encourages agencies to enter and submit data as early as possible. Agencies that wait until the last week to enter data may encounter extended system delays and wait times for support due to limited system and personnel resources.

Please note that these reports are different from the Home Care Cost Report, which must be completed by CHHAs, Licensed Home Care Services Agencies and Fiscal Intermediaries. The Home Care Cost Report was posted on August 16 and is due November 15, 2021.

Questions and requests for assistance should be submitted to HCStatRpts@health.ny.gov.

For additional information about the content provided in this alert, please contact Andrew Koski or Alyssa Lovelace.

Governor Announces Vaccine Mandate for Some Health Care Workers

August 16, 2021

HCA has confirmed that mandate will not apply to home care

In a press release this morning, Governor Cuomo announced a statewide COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers, with first doses to be required by September 27.

The Governor’s press release does not mention home care, but HCA has confirmed with state health officials today that the new requirements announced will not apply to home care workers.

While the announcement said the mandate was required for “all healthcare workers in New York State,” it references imminent Section 16 Orders for hospitals, nursing homes and other long term care facilities (including adult care and other congregate care settings).

The Governor’s announcement also says that Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul was briefed on today’s announcement, signaling coordination on the issue between the outgoing Cuomo administration and the incoming Hochul administration following Governor Cuomo’s announcement last week of his resignation, effective August 25.

According to today’s press release, the Section 16 Orders will require providers to develop and implement a policy mandating employee vaccinations, with limited exceptions for those with religious or medical reasons.

The announcement does not mention testing as an alternative to vaccination.

Applicability to Contractors?

HCA is seeking to determine whether the mandate for workers in congregate settings would also apply to contractors in those settings, such as home care or hospice providers whose workers provide services in skilled nursing facilities and adult care facilities.

Reminder about the NYC mandate for contractors

HCA has already reported on a vaccine mandate for all New York City employees and NYC-contracted employees. Contracted employees include home care staff employed by agencies that have contracts with NYC Human Resources Administration for personal care services and personal assistants providing consumer directed services whose Fiscal Intermediaries have contracts with NYC. This would also include those agencies that have contracts with the NYC Department for the Aging and provide services under the Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) and other city agencies.

Next Steps

While the Governor’s mandate does not apply to home care, we are watching developments very closely and discussing concerns with state officials.

We are also redoubling our effort to ensure that vaccines are readily available for home care and hospice workers while calling for funds to cover non-reimbursed COVID-related costs such as education, infection control initiatives, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other expenses to help provide critical relief and stability to the home care and hospice infrastructure.

Please stay tuned as we learn more about this major development.

Third Dose

The Governor also announced that the Department of Health has authorized a third COVID-19 vaccine dose for New Yorkers with compromised immune systems, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation last week.

Eligible New Yorkers can receive their third dose 28 days after the completion of their two-dose vaccine series, effective immediately.

To learn more, read the Governor’s press release here.

HCA President Al Cardillo Testifies at Senate Workforce Hearing 

July 28, 2021

HCA calls for provider and worker investments, regulatory relief, and actions to stop dislocations caused by LHCSA/FI RFO process 

HCA President Al Cardillo testified yesterday at a daylong state Senate hearing on long term care workforce challenges, offering solutions drawn from HCA’s extensive legislative proposals and new recommendations for home care provider and worker investments.

“The pandemic has left home care in a dire worker shortage,” said Cardillo in his prepared remarks. “Immediate support is needed. We ask your urgent action to help these agencies and workers who provide for New York’s medically needy and vulnerable individuals every day.”

Continue reading “HCA President Al Cardillo Testifies at Senate Workforce Hearing “ →

State Department of Health Posts HCBS Funding Recommendations to CMS

July 16, 2021

The state Department of Health (DOH) posted its Initial New York State Spending Plan to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) related to the additional federal funds New York will receive for home and community-based services (HCBS) under the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The $1.6 billion in funds were appropriated in the 2021-22 state budget. The Cuomo Administration has spent the last several months considering precise target areas and distribution methods. HCA has learned that these funds, along with the corresponding federal match, is expected to grow to nearly $5 billion.

The DOH spending plan is available here. It has been made available on a new DOH website that will specifically house updates and information related to the ARPA and the state’s spending plan. Continue reading “State Department of Health Posts HCBS Funding Recommendations to CMS” →

Advisory Issued on Tropical Storm Elsa  

July 8, 2021

The state Department of Health (DOH) today issued an Advisory related to Tropical Storm Elsa. The Advisory is available here.

DOH is closely monitoring updates to the forecasted path of Tropical Storm Elsa. Based on the current forecasted track of the storm, the National Weather Service does not expect a serious impact on coastal areas of NYS. At this time, there is no expectation that large scale evacuation will be needed. This expectation is subject to change should the path of the storm should take a more westerly direction over the next 24 hours. Continue reading “Advisory Issued on Tropical Storm Elsa  “ →

With End of NY’s Declared COVID-19 Emergency, HCA Seeks Clarification on Status of Regulatory Waivers

June 24, 2021

Yesterday Governor Cuomo announced that, effective today, the Administration is ending the state’s declaration of a disaster emergency for COVID-19. This follows news last week that the state was lifting most COVID-19 restrictions (with health care settings being one major exception), due to New Yorkers reaching a vaccination threshold of 70 percent with at least one dose.

The end to the health emergency, which was in effect since March 7, 2020, leaves many questions about the status of health care regulations and guidances that were waived, suspended, or relaxed as part of executive orders and state guidance issued throughout the course of the declared emergency.

Continue reading “With End of NY’s Declared COVID-19 Emergency, HCA Seeks Clarification on Status of Regulatory Waivers” →

Requirements Established for County In-Home Vaccination Plans

May 5, 2021

On May 4, the state Department of Health (DOH) and state Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) sent a joint letter to county leaders that asks each county and local health department to develop an in-home vaccination plan.

The plan is to be inclusive of all relevant county departments as well as other providers of home care services within the county.

Continue reading “Requirements Established for County In-Home Vaccination Plans” →

Urgent Advocacy Needed on Wage Mandate in State Budget

March 29, 2021

HCA asks all members to call their State Senators. Request them to immediately contact Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to reconsider the Senate’s home care wage proposal, substituting it with HCA’s alternative plan in the budget.

The Senate’s wage mandate proposal has gained new momentum since the weekend, and HCA understands that it is being directly discussed at the legislative leaders level in budget negotiations.

Continue reading “Urgent Advocacy Needed on Wage Mandate in State Budget” →

McKnight’s: NY Home Care Providers Say Not So Fast on Underfunded Compensation Mandate

March 24, 2021

“While we appreciate the intent of new proposed state budget legislation to increase aide wages, the proposal now under consideration in New York’s state budget would not sufficiently cover the full cost of this new mandate for home care provider employers in New York State, many of whom are operating at negative margins,” HCA recently told McKnight’s Long Term Care News regarding legislation proposed in the state budget.

Vaccine Information Sessions for Home Care Workers 

February 22, 2021

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will be offering online COVID-19 vaccine information sessions for home care workers. It will include a question and answer period to address questions or concerns home care staff might have.

Webinars will be offered in multiple languages:

The webinars will be recorded for people unable to make the above times.

Please e-mail ecabato@health.nyc.gov if you have questions about the webinars.

As NY Budget Proposes 50% Workforce Funding Cut, New HCA Report Shows Devastating Impact of Pandemic on Home Care Finances and Access  

February 17, 2021

HCA calls for restoration of workforce and service funds, as well as a ‘Home Care First’ policy to meet rising demand for home care in pandemic

ALBANY — At a time when home care providers face a 50% workforce recruitment-and-retention funding cut and other reductions in New York’s budget, HCA has issued a new report showing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on home care operations and workforce amid a rising demand for services and escalating new costs for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other needs. Continue reading “As NY Budget Proposes 50% Workforce Funding Cut, New HCA Report Shows Devastating Impact of Pandemic on Home Care Finances and Access  “ →

On-Demand Until Feb. 21: Premier Home Health Leadership Program

February 4, 2021

If you missed the 2021 Northeast Home Health Leadership Summit (NELS) in January, fourteen excellent session recordings await for you to enjoy conveniently at any time, on demand.

All content is available through February 21. See our full NELS on-demand session agenda here.

This is a great opportunity to hear from national emergency preparedness, legal and policy experts, plus peer home care executives offering strategies for pandemic response. NELS 2021 thought leaders also offer insights to help you problem solve, build a stronger workforce, and work more efficiently.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE TODAY

Yankee Stadium Mass Vaccination Site, Plus Town Hall & Provider Webinar on Feb. 5

February 4, 2021

New York City providers or organizations with staff residing in New York City, please see the following updates and share with your staff accordingly.

Yankee Stadium Mass-Vaccination Site

The Governor and New York City Mayor have announced that a mass-vaccination site at Yankee Stadium will begin administering COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible Bronx residents on Friday, February 5.

Continue reading “Yankee Stadium Mass Vaccination Site, Plus Town Hall & Provider Webinar on Feb. 5” →

Join Us for 2/2 Webinar on PPP, Employee Retention Credits & Provider Relief Funds

January 28, 2021

Webinar on February 2, from 1-2 p.m.

The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 Act signed into law on December 27, 2020 provided another round of COVID-19 stimulus funding and further relief for taxpayers affected by the pandemic.

In this webinar, Koy Dever, Principal at BKD, will review the latest available information regarding eligibility requirements for new funding opportunities under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and expanded Employee Retention Tax Credits opportunities.

In addition, we will cover regulatory updates regarding PPP loan forgiveness applications and Provider Relief Funding reporting guidance.

Register Here Today

Vaccine Update: Governor Opens Eligibility to Phase 1b as HCA Continues to Provide Critical Resources for Home Care and Hospice

January 11, 2021

Throughout the past week — a time when home care and hospice workers were included among phase 1a priority workers — HCA compiled and circulated to members a series of spreadsheets with links for accessing the COVID-19 vaccine in addition to the state and city vaccine appointment pages.

While health care workers remain a priority (including, specifically, home care and hospice), the Governor on Friday announced the expansion of vaccine priority to phase 1b, which includes certain other essential workers and individuals age 75 and older. Continue reading “Vaccine Update: Governor Opens Eligibility to Phase 1b as HCA Continues to Provide Critical Resources for Home Care and Hospice” →

HHCN: NY Moves Up COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility for Home Care, Hospice Workers

January 10, 2021

“Home care and hospice workers are now part of the pool of New Yorkers eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” reports Home Health Care News on January 10, 2021. “This development didn’t just happen overnight. In fact, it was the result of a significant push from New York home-based care associations, Roger Noyes, director of communications at the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA-NYS), told Home Health Care News.”

Vaccination Update: New County Health Dept. Info and Messaging to Encourage Your Staff

January 8, 2021

Yesterday, HCA shared information about vaccination sites and appointment scheduling. Several county health departments have also begun posting vaccination information. All of this is compiled in a new series of spreadsheets on our COVID-19 resource page to further assist in your effort to facilitate staff vaccinations. Please also be sure to review the state and city vaccine eligibility sites.

While not all county agencies are actively vaccinating at this time, many are doing so, and this information is constantly changing.

Continue reading “Vaccination Update: New County Health Dept. Info and Messaging to Encourage Your Staff” →

Home Care, Hospice Workers Now in Week 4 Vaccination Following HCA Appeals

January 5, 2021

Vaccine scheduling information now posted to our COVID-19 page. Please bookmark this site and check it regularly for updates.

Following HCA’s daily and continuous outreach to officials at all levels of the statewide vaccination effort, the state Department of Health (DOH) last night revised its guidance to move up the schedule for home care and hospice worker vaccination.

According to the new guidance, home care and hospice workers are now included in the week 4 vaccine prioritization schedule this week (beginning January 4).

Continue reading “Home Care, Hospice Workers Now in Week 4 Vaccination Following HCA Appeals” →

HCA Continues Pressing Home Care, Hospice Vaccine Prioritization with Commissioner, Regional Task Force Coalitions 

December 31, 2020

HCA continues to seek clarity and advocate for prioritization of home care and hospice in the statewide vaccination roll out.

Complicating the consistency of information is the fact that statewide logistics appear to have been substantially delegated to ten regional planning hubs, also known as Regional Advisory Task Force (RATF) coalitions, led mostly by hospitals. A list of all ten hubs is provided on the Governor’s website here. Continue reading “HCA Continues Pressing Home Care, Hospice Vaccine Prioritization with Commissioner, Regional Task Force Coalitions “ →

NYC Home Care, Hospice Workers Included in Phase I as HCA Discusses Vaccine Logistics with City Officials

December 12, 2020

HCA today spoke with New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) immunization officials about logistics for COVID-19 vaccination of home care and hospice workers.

Notably, in response to our ongoing emphasis about home care’s vital patient care role, the city is including home care workers in phase I of its plan, along with other phase I workers (in hospitals and nursing homes) in New York City, consistent with advisory recommendations made at the federal level.

Continue reading “NYC Home Care, Hospice Workers Included in Phase I as HCA Discusses Vaccine Logistics with City Officials” →

DOH Confirms COVID-19 Vaccination Enrollment Program Open to Home Care

December 9, 2020

HCA has received confirmation from the state Department of Health (DOH) that home care providers who intend to receive and administer COVID-19 vaccine should prepare now by enrolling in the state’s vaccine program for providers outside of New York City. A separate process is in place for New York City providers.

Continue reading “DOH Confirms COVID-19 Vaccination Enrollment Program Open to Home Care” →

NYC Removes Requirement That Home Care Providers Have Less Than 1 Week of PPE Before Ordering from City Stockpile

December 7, 2020

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) has removed the requirement that agencies serving NYC must have less than one week of personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to request PPE from the city’s PPE Service Center. Continue reading “NYC Removes Requirement That Home Care Providers Have Less Than 1 Week of PPE Before Ordering from City Stockpile” →

NYSACHO to County Health Commissioners: Include Home Care in Your Partnerships on COVID-19 Testing, Equipped by HCA Training 

November 19, 2020

The Governor and state Health Commissioner have requested all county health departments to establish plans for COVID-19 testing and immunization capabilities.

Yesterday, this request was given a major signal for county health officials to work with home care agencies on these efforts, equipped by HCA’s training program.

Sarah Ravenhall, Executive Director of the New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO), joined HCA President Al Cardillo in a letter to all county health commissioners whose departments oversee the local public health response to COVID-19. Together they urge commissioners to look to home care agencies as a critical partner and resource that can assist with county-level COVID-19 testing capacity through in-home specimen collection.   Continue reading “NYSACHO to County Health Commissioners: Include Home Care in Your Partnerships on COVID-19 Testing, Equipped by HCA Training “ →

12 New Webinars: Best Home Care Practices in the COVID-19 Emergency and Beyond

November 18, 2020

HCA Education and Research (E&R) is pleased to present Best Clinical and Operational Practices in COVID and Beyond, a grant-funded online learning series curated by HCA E&R under a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.

These 24/7, on-demand webinars are free of charge. They provide model insights and innovations pioneered by home and community-based providers. Our faculty include home and community care clinicians, operational leaders, and executives covering a range of clinical and operational topics.

Continue reading “12 New Webinars: Best Home Care Practices in the COVID-19 Emergency and Beyond” →

COVID-19 Briefs for November 9, 2020: Out of State Travel & Vaccine Updates

November 9, 2020

New York has submitted its COVID-19 Vaccination Program to the federal government.

It describes steps and protocols to ensure the safe and efficient distribution and administration of vaccine to New York residents. The document includes: guidelines and vaccine planning considerations; measures to ensure vaccine safety; a vaccine prioritization matrix; a distribution and delivery process; training and support of providers administering the vaccine; data and IT infrastructure to coordinate and monitor the program; public education and community outreach; and a budget and procurement process. A Vaccine Central Command Center is proposed to manage the entire vaccine program.

Continue reading “COVID-19 Briefs for November 9, 2020: Out of State Travel & Vaccine Updates” →

1 Minute Advocacy: Urge Congress to Pass Bill Allowing Medicare Home Telehealth Payment

October 29, 2020

Both houses of Congress have introduced legislation that would provide Medicare reimbursement to home health agencies that deliver audio and video telehealth services during COVID-19. This is a major priority.

Today, we ask that you use our online Legislative Action Center to write New York’s Senators and your Member of Congress to pass this critical bill. It takes less than a minute to do.

As we note in our Action Center campaign, “this technology is vital in the pandemic. It extends home care’s reach to patients who are socially isolated, anxious, and in need of more complex services, especially the growing number of patients discharged from hospitals to home care with severe post-COVID-19 care needs.”

We also cite recent HCA data collected in a survey of providers showing that the number of home health providers having to turn to telehealth in the pandemic has doubled, from 22 percent of providers before the pandemic to 46 percent today, yet there’s no Medicare reimbursement to support this service.

Thank you to all of the providers who answered this survey, which supports key advocacy messaging.

Please act on this advocacy messaging today, and urge your staff to do the same.

HCA Webinar: Join Labor Law Expert Emina Poricanin on New Paid Sick Leave Guidance, FAQs 

October 22, 2020

Please join HCA and home care labor law expert Emina Poricanin for a webinar on Monday, October 26 (at 1 p.m.) where she’ll provide an update on the state’s Paid Sick Leave law.

The state law requires employers with five or more employees to provide their employees with paid sick and safe leave. Businesses with fewer than five employees and a net income of $1 million or less must provide unpaid sick and safe leave to employees.

Poricanin will explain the law’s implications for home care providers so that your organization can develop leave policies and practices for 2021, ensuring compliance. She’ll specifically cover highlights of new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) posted earlier this week by the state Department of Labor.

Join Us on Oct. 16: Onboarding Your Patients or Clients to the Statewide Virtual Senior Center (VSC)

October 8, 2020

Register today for an October 16 Zoom presentation to learn how your home care, hospice or MLTC organization can onboard patients/clients so they can connect to the Statewide Virtual Senior Center (VSC).

The session, from 11 a.m. to noon, will be hosted by HCA Education and Research (HCA E&R) and Selfhelp Community Services, building on an introductory webinar that we held in July.

To register for the October 16 Zoom session, just complete the online form here and HCA E&R will e-mail you a Zoom link on the morning of the program so that you can connect to the discussion.

Continue reading “Join Us on Oct. 16: Onboarding Your Patients or Clients to the Statewide Virtual Senior Center (VSC)” →

Sepsis Month: Senate Resolution, NYSOFA PR, Plus HCR, VNSNY & Americare Features

September 23, 2020

The state Senate has passed a resolution recognizing September 2020 as Sepsis Awareness Month in the State of New York.

HCA, our Stop Sepsis at Home NY screening initiative, and allied partners recognize and greatly appreciate this action initiated by the Senate’s Health Committee Chairman Senator Gustavo Rivera.

Full text of the resolution is posted to our Stop Sepsis at Home NY website here.

Our partners at Sepsis Alliance are working to achieve similar resolutions in all 50 states, and HCA is proud to be part of efforts to put New York State in that number as we work alongside other leading advocacy and awareness organizations like End Sepsis: The Legacy of Rory Staunton. Continue reading “Sepsis Month: Senate Resolution, NYSOFA PR, Plus HCR, VNSNY & Americare Features” →

NYC PPE Stockpile Information Released

September 21, 2020

New York City (NYC) has been working to compile an emergency stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE) for home care and other health care providers that service NYC in the event that there is a COVID-19 resurgence. 

To streamline the product request process, NYC is partnering with Medline to support the requesting and delivery process. Once in effect, this will replace the system that HCA and the New York State Association of Health Care Providers (HCP) worked out with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) whereby some of our members devoted much time and resources to serve as distribution sites for PPE furnished by the City for home care providers in all boroughs. Continue reading “NYC PPE Stockpile Information Released” →

Free Series: 7 Hospital-Home Care Collaboration Models for Improved Patient Care

September 9, 2020

In a September 3 presentation, we introduced hospitals and home care providers to the HCA-HANYS-IHA “Statewide Hospital-Home Care Collaborative for COVID-19 and Beyond.”

As part of this program, we are offering seven upcoming webinars free of charge for all hospital and home care organizations in New York State. Continue reading “Free Series: 7 Hospital-Home Care Collaboration Models for Improved Patient Care” →

Register: HCA’s Senior Finance Managers Retreat on Sept. 15-16

August 26, 2020

Online registration is now open for HCA’s Senior Financial Managers Retreat, our signature finance program for CHHAs, LHCSAs, hospice and MLTC.

While the retreat (on September 15 & 16) was originally planned for the Mohonk Mountain Resort in New Paltz, New York, we have transitioned to a virtual live event this year that will be broadcast through Crowdcast to any location using your computer, tablet or smart phone.

Continue reading “Register: HCA’s Senior Finance Managers Retreat on Sept. 15-16” →

Senator Gillibrand, Colleagues Press HHS for Home Care Supports

August 24, 2020

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today issued a press release and letter to federal health officials seeking vital supports for home and community-based providers in the pandemic. Among them: priority access to personal protective equipment (PPE); telehealth reimbursement for home health agencies; and funding support for Medicaid home and community-based providers and workers.

HCA and HCA member the Visiting Nurse Service of New York have been working closely with Senator Gillibrand’s office on this appeal.

Continue reading “Senator Gillibrand, Colleagues Press HHS for Home Care Supports” →

Join Sept. 3 Webinar Unveiling HCA-HANYS-IHA Care Collaboration Initiative for Home Care and Hospitals

August 20, 2020

Hospital and home care leaders are invited to join HCA, the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) and the Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) for a September 3 webinar launching our “Statewide Hospital-Home Care Collaborative for COVID-19 and Beyond.”

Registration for the launch webinar, at 4 p.m., is here.

This HCA-HANYS-IHA collaborative is being supported by a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. It is designed to promote pre- and post-hospital collaboration among hospitals and home care providers to address patients’ needs not only in the COVID-19 pandemic but also on a lasting basis.

Continue reading “Join Sept. 3 Webinar Unveiling HCA-HANYS-IHA Care Collaboration Initiative for Home Care and Hospitals” →

President Trump Signs Executive Orders to Extend Federal Relief and Other COVID-19 Updates

August 10, 2020

On Saturday evening, President Donald J. Trump signed four executive actions that would: extend unemployment benefits; prevent residential evictions and foreclosures; assist with student loans; and suspend the collection of payroll taxes.

Federal lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have questioned the constitutionality of these actions amid a stalemate on negotiations over the next coronavirus aid package. Continue reading “President Trump Signs Executive Orders to Extend Federal Relief and Other COVID-19 Updates” →

HCA to Testify Today at Legislative Hearing on COVID-19 and Long Term Care

August 10, 2020

HCA will be testifying today in the second of two state legislative hearings examining the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes and other long term care settings. The hearing begins at 10 a.m.

At the first hearing — for New York City, Westchester and Long Island last week — lawmakers raised numerous questions focused on nursing home fatality rates, how the data were represented, nursing home visitation policies, and more. Continue reading “HCA to Testify Today at Legislative Hearing on COVID-19 and Long Term Care” →

Register Now for HCA’s Virtual Annual Conference: August 25 & 26

July 31, 2020

Two days, ten sessions and a much-needed time for learning, reflection, collaboration and morale!  

Registration is now open for HCA’s Annual Conference on August 25 and 26, our flagship yearly event, now virtual!

A global health pandemic. Long-pressing industry needs. Some of the most consequential program changes in recent history. We need this gathering more than ever before: a moment for learning, reflection, collaboration and morale.

Participants have ten sessions to choose from, spaced across two days and streamed through our new online learning management system. Read our agenda at-a-glance to learn more.

To register through our learning management system, you’ll need to create a profile first and then follow the instructions. We will provide you with all the details for accessing our conference stream on August 25 and 26, including the opportunity to watch content on-demand as well.

Every crisis is an opportunity. While we would love to see you in person, this virtual format offers convenience, flexibility and lower registration fees, including a new group discount rate for an UNLIMITED number of staff to attend from your organization.

Got questions? Contact HCA’s Director of Education Celisia Street.

A Virtual Senior Center for Your Home Care Patients: Learn More at July 24 Webinar

July 15, 2020

Interactive online platform helps overcome social isolation in older adults during COVID-19 health emergency 

Join HCA Education and Research (E&R), Selfhelp Community Services and public officials on July 24 at 10:30 a.m. to see first-hand a powerful, interactive Virtual Senior Center (VSC) platform open for all home and community-based clients to enroll. Register for the webinar here.

Continue reading “A Virtual Senior Center for Your Home Care Patients: Learn More at July 24 Webinar” →