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Several States Issue COVID Vaccine Mandates: HCAOA Chapters Seeking Clarification on Requirements for Home Care

8/18/2021

2 Comments

 
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Several states have recently announced COVID-19 vaccine mandates for health care workers, and HCAOA and state chapters are working with state officials to clarify how these mandates impact home care. For example, mandates in Washington, California, and New York do not include home care in some settings, while the order in New Jersey does include home care.

New Jersey’s governor issued an executive order requiring employees working in certain “covered settings” to be vaccinated or be tested for COVID-19 “at minimum one to two times weekly.” The order lists two classes of covered settings: Health Care Facilities and High-Risk Congregate Settings. Registered Health Care Service Firms (HCSF), which include home care agencies, are included in the definition of “Health Care Facilities” and therefore these mandates apply to all HCSFs and their caregivers, nurses and internal staff. The HCAOA New Jersey Chapter is working with state officials to get further clarification.

In California, the State Health Officer issued a Public Health Order stating that those working in facilities with acute health care, long-term care, high-risk congregate settings, and other health care settings must verify vaccine status. Those workers who are not fully vaccinated will be subject to, at a minimum, weekly COVID-19 testing. Jennifer Niklas, Chief of the Home Care Services Bureau, California Department of Social Services, reached out to the HCAOA California Chapter to confirm that the Order does not directly impact Home Care Organizations.  However, the order may affect Home Care Aides that work, or are contracted to work, in facilities. The Chapter is awaiting further guidance. 

On the flipside, the HCAOA Washington Chapter/WAHCA recently met with representatives from the Department of Health to seek clarification about the requirements for In-Home Services Providers under the Governor's Proclamation for COVID-19 Vaccinations (21-14). In an FAQ document released this week, the DOH confirmed that the proclamation does not apply to the categories of individuals who provide only personal care services in a client or patient’s home, however home care aides working in health care settings outside clients’ or patients’ home, such as facilities, must meet the requirement. 

Earlier this week, New York announced that all health care workers in the state are now required to by vaccinated by September 27. However, while the announcement listed nursing homes, adult care, long-term care facilities and hospital workers, it did not specifically mention home care.

For home care providers working with government agencies like Medicaid, regulations are especially muddy. HCAOA will continue to monitor this ever-changing situation to provide the most up-to-date information for our members. 
2 Comments
William Gillick link
8/18/2021 01:48:27 pm

I would like to know if homecare agencies in New York State will be reimbursed, or supplies provide, for Covid rapid test? Also, will Kathy Hochul support this legislation?

Reply
Merrie Boatright link
8/18/2021 01:56:09 pm

Actually on the 14th the LA County Health department issued a new order which included Home Care along with Home Health and is only giving us till the end of September to have all aides either vaccinated or they need to have an exemption as well as to be tested weekly.

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  • Membership Resources
    • Member Login
    • Code of Conduct
    • Resources
    • Newsletters
    • Product & Services Guide
    • Join HCAOA
    • Benefits: Agency Membership
    • Benefits: Associate Membership
  • State Chapters
    • Alabama
    • Arizona
    • California
    • Connecticut
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Illinois
    • Michigan
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • South Carolina
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • West Virginia
    • Wisconsin
  • Education/Events
    • Calendar
    • National Home Care Conference >
      • 2023 Call for Speakers
  • Advocacy/Policy
    • Bring the Vote Home
    • Advocacy Fund
    • State of Home Care: Industry at Crossroads
    • Home Care Workforce Action Alliance
    • Caring for Seniors: Value of Home Care
    • Home Care by the Numbers
    • Issues & Positions
    • Legislative Action Network
    • State Legislation Tracker
    • Federal Legislation Tracker
  • About HCAOA
    • Mission & Vision
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Caregiver of the Year Award
    • News Releases
    • Advertising & Marketing
    • The Voice
    • Contact Us
  • Find a Job