SERINO SEEKS CRITICAL CLARIFICATION FOR NEW YORK’S NURSING HOMES

HYDE PARK, NY – Nearly two weeks after the official end of the state disaster emergency, many questions remain unanswered pertaining to the health and safety protocols within New York’s nursing homes. Senator Sue Serino today is seeking clarification for these facilities after it was reported that many hard-hit nursing homes are confused as to which protocols they must continue to follow when at least thirty Executive Orders pertaining directly to care they provide expired with little notice. 

“When it comes to these facilities, we absolutely cannot let our guard down,” said Senator Serino. “We all saw what happened when confusion over the now notorious March 25^th order led to facilities feeling forced to admit COVID-19 patients, and we have a duty to ensure that any communications coming from the state are clear and concise to ensure that these residents are receiving the highest level of quality care. The state must immediately provide answers to outstanding questions and clarification on any points that could impact a facility’s ability to effectively keep residents and staff safe and healthy.”

It has been reported that facilities cannot get answers from the State Department of Health on questions relating to everything from visitation requirements, to communal dining protocols, to the current status of workers who are not licensed in New York State hired during the pandemic, to any requirements that may still be in place for unvaccinated residents and staff, and more.

“While a sense of normalcy is quickly returning to New York, it is critical that vulnerable nursing home residents, staff, and loved ones are not treated as an afterthought by the state again,” Serino continued. “We know that even a single case of COVID in these facilities can have a dramatic impact, and we must do all that we can to ensure that while the state moves forward, we are still adequately addressing their needs.”

A copy of Senator Serino’s letter can be viewed by clicking here.

Senator Serino is the Ranking Member of the State Senate’s Aging Committee.

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