Situation Report | July 20, 2021
On July 16, the state Department of Health (DOH) released a Dear Administration Letter (DAL) on expectations and responsibilities related to the use of recruitment offices and/or remote agency operations.
DOH reminds Licensed Home Care Service Agencies (LHCSAs) that they must “notify the department in writing of any proposed change in address or office site location at least 10 days prior to effecting such change.”
Therefore, at least 10 days prior to opening any additional office location, including recruitment or other satellite offices, LHCSAs must contact and submit a written request to their DOH Regional Office Program Manager for approval.
Written requests must include the following:
- Specific and detailed explanation of the office’s purpose and any activities that will be conducted at the site.
- A signed attestation that the office will be used for recruitment purposes or for dropping off and obtaining supplies, including a confirmation that no services will be provided there, nor records stored/maintained at this location, and an acknowledgement that DOH has the right to inspect all agency locations, including satellite/recruitment offices.
DOH says it is aware that such sites may have been added without its approval and urges all LHCSAs to contact their Regional Office immediately to report any sites that have been added. Failure to do so can result in enforcement.
Remote Work
For agencies working remotely, DOH reminds agencies that they are required to:
- Notify the agency’s appropriate Regional Office, which includes providing contact information to allow the continuation and facilitation of DOH survey activities.
- Develop policies and procedures for remote work with special attention to the safety and security of patient information.
- Assure staff availability at the office location listed on the agency’s operating certificate during a DOH survey or at DOH’s request.
Questions about this DAL should be sent to homecare@health.ny.gov.