Corona Virus Helpline

(1.20.21) One Group and ASAP hosted a Webinar: HR and the Vaccine on January 13, 2021 wherein the long-anticipated COVID-19 vaccination is being deployed as we speak. Topics that were discussed on this webinar:

Expected mandates for essential workers;
Workers who don’t want to get vaccinated (for religious, health or other reasons);
COVID-19-related leave

Click here to watch the webinar.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(1.14.21) On Friday, Jan. 8^th, OASAS (PICM) sent the field an announcement regarding an Office of Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) webinar that will be held this Friday, January 15^th at 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. If your program receives Medicaid reimbursement, ASAP strongly urges you to have all staff who are involved with reimbursement and claims attend this webinar focused on the OMIG Probe Audit.

In their communication to the field, OASAS encouraged treatment providers to review the following in preparation for the webinar:

As an ASAP member service, we will keep you apprised of activities related to OMIG. We are very concerned that, as has happened during past fiscal crises, OMIG is poised to recoup as much funding as possible from the OASAS and OMH service delivery systems. The use of extrapolation formulas and a focus on issues completely unrelated to fraud have yielded significant “paybacks” to the state in the past and recent high profile cases suggest a similar approach may be afoot.

Please keep ASAP in the loop regarding any OMIG concerns your agency might be experiencing. OMIG audits should be on all treatment providers’ radar.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(1.13.21) New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) invites you to join them for a webinar on Friday, January 15, 2021, from 1 to 2 p.m., to discuss COVID-19 vaccine distribution in NYC. This webinar is for all providers of mental hygiene services in NYC.

Dr. Hillary Kunins, Executive Deputy Commissioner for the NYC Health Department’s Division of Mental Hygiene, and representatives from the NYC Health Department’s Vaccine Operations Section and Mental Hygiene Emergency Response Group will be available to provide key updates and answer questions about how providers can facilitate vaccination for their staff and build vaccine confidence among their staff, clients and program participants.

Event: Webinar for Mental Hygiene Providers on COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in NYC
Date: Friday, January 15, 2021
Time: 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m.
Webex Link and Conference Line: Register here, Password: Vaccine; or call +1-408-418-9388, Access Code: 179 712 0965

Please share this information with your staff.

Visit the DOHMH COVID-19 website to keep up-to-date on the latest information. You can also text “COVID” to 692-692 to receive text updates

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(1.13.21) Acacia operates a network of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and other primary care locations across New York City and throughout the State. We are pleased to announce that our FQHCs have been among the first in the City to begin administering COVID-19 vaccines, and we hope to continue expanding our efforts.

We are currently administering vaccines to eligible individuals per the City’s Phase 1A guidelines, including high risk frontline workers and those who provide direct in-person services within clinical and/or congregate care settings, such as staff in primary and urgent care, behavioral health services, and more. For more info on current eligibility guidelines, visit: https://nyc.gov/covidvaccine

I’ve attached a flyer that summarizes our efforts, and which includes information on eligibility and how to make an appointment with us. Feel free to share this with NYC ASAP Members. Those interested can make an appointment online at: http://bit.ly/acacia-covid19vaccine

Should you be interested in more information and/or coordinating vaccination efforts through our FQHCs, please do not hesitate to contact us. I’ve cc’ed Lauren Mendenhall, our Vice President of Primary Care and Quality Improvement, who can assist with coordination, as well as our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Collymore.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(1.12.21) ASAP needs your help. Please fill out the quick survey using the link below to help inform our advocacy efforts: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/88WRPYT

The ability of community-based behavioral health agencies to continue to address the behavioral health needs of New York’s adults, children and families is threatened at this critical time because of the challenges with COVID-19 and the withholds to state aid payments for mental health and substance use services. While we recognize the significant fiscal challenges that the state faces, we have collectively advocated that the State budget simply cannot be balanced by continuing withholds and/or cutting behavioral health services to New York’s adults, children and families.

To that end, a collaboration of effort among statewide organizations representing adult and children mental health and substance use providers is respectfully asking your organization’s CEO to complete the survey link below to assist us in gathering needed data to support our joint efforts. The information will only be used in the aggregate, and no individual providers will be identified. We are collecting organization names solely for internal purposes. Please note: You may receive this link from multiple associations/coalitions; please complete only once.

Please complete no later than COB January 19^th. Thank you in advance for your assistance and commitment to New York’s behavioral health community.

This survey is being conducted by the following provider associations: MHANYS, The Coalition for Behavioral Health, NYAPRS, NYS Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, ASAP, ACL NYS, SHNNY, NYS Coalition for Children’s Behavioral Health, COMPA, NAMI NYS, NYS Care Management Coalition and Families Together in NYS.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(1.12.21) To assist with our advocacy efforts, attached you will find a spreadsheet containing the new government email addresses of every member of the NYS Senate and Assembly.

With legislative session now underway, we strongly encourage you to reach out to your district legislators, particularly if they are new, and introduce yourselves, your programs, and the work you do. ASAP is only as strong as our members are involved, and these local relationships are a key building block of ASAP’s advocacy work here in Albany.

We will circulate additional advocacy materials and helpful resources later this week.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(1.12.21) See attached for the newly issued OASAS Outpatient Staff COVID-19 Vaccine Access Guidance.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(10.5.20) PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM: UPDATED LOAN FORGIVENESS APPLICATION GUIDANCE AND AVOIDING COMMON MISTAKES. Since the Paycheck Protection Program’s initial establishment through the CARES Act, there have been several legislative updates and changes to the program, as well as several rounds of guidance issued by the Small Business Administration (SBA). This on-demand webinar for healthcare organizations will provide an overview of the updated loan forgiveness application, with a focus on what elements have changed since the initial application release, and common mistakes and errors to avoid when completing the application.

Please note the webinar will be played through your web browser. Speakers or a headset is required. Click here to watch now.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(10.5.20) The application portal for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) new Phase 3 Provider Relief funding is now open. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 6. As we noted last week, the Administration singled out the critical work of behavioral health care providers in their announcement of the $20 billion in additional available funding. To reflect this attention and urgency, we want to make sure your members are first in line to access the new funding. To expedite the calculation and distribution of payments, we urge you to encourage your members to apply as soon as possible.

Application instructions here.
Provider Relief Fund FAQs here.

To read the full article, click here.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(10.5.20) $20 Billion in HHS Phase 3 Provider Relief Funding: OASAS would like to alert all providers of new funding made available through the Health and Human Services (HHS) Phase 3 Provider Relief Program in the amount of $20 billion. This funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis and applications are being accepted from October 5, 2020 (today) to November 6, 2020.

Behavioral health providers, including OASAS certified providers, are eligible to access this funding, including those providers that may have previously received funding during an earlier phase of provider relief funding. Additional information can be found at www.hhs.gov/providerrelief including a full listing of eligibility criteria and how to apply. Information webinars will be announced soon as well.

View all Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance and recommendations for health care providers.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(9.27.20) ASAP, working with Panepinto Consulting, developed this informational document for our members who may be interested in developing or expanding housing for people in recovery or receiving treatment for a substance use disorder.

The document that has two parts: the first gives the information and instructions for the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) grant application and the second is a complete list of all the program specific questions that must be answered.

Bill Panepinto is available by email (panepinto.consulting@gmail.com) so that you can reach out for assistance if needed.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(8.6.20) Please see the notice below regarding NASADAD conference calls taking place over the next two days designed for providers that bill Medicare and Medicaid to share information about opportunities to apply for the Provider Relief Fund (PRF).

HHS and the Health Resources and Services Administration invites you to participate in one of two upcoming focus group sessions on the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). The PRF supports American families, workers, and the heroic healthcare providers in the battle against the COVID-19 outbreak. HHS is distributing $175 billion to hospitals and healthcare providers on the front lines of the coronavirus response.

The purpose of these focus groups is to identify opportunities to increase application volumes in the current Medicaid/CHIP distribution, which is intended to support eligible providers with $15B in funding. The focus group discussion will center on three topics:

Awareness of the PRF program and Medicaid/CHIP distribution
Understanding of program components, such as eligibility
Technical challenges faced during the application process

These sessions will be held on Tuesday, July 21^st from 6:30 – 7:30 pm ET and Wednesday, July 22^nd from 3:00 – 4:00 pm ET. We would greatly appreciate your participation and look forward to hearing your valuable input on your experience to date with the Medicaid distribution of the Provider Relief Fund. To confirm your participation, please send an email to preston.white@mckinsey.com with your name, email, title, organization and state, and note which session you would like to attend.

Thank you for your collaboration to improve the PRF program and how we support providers in their coronavirus response. More information can be found on the Medicaid/CHIP distribution at the PRF website and in the Medicaid/CHIP distribution fact sheet.

View all Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance and recommendations for health care

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(8.6.20) ASAP has updated our Advocacy Toolkit to help you weigh in with your State representatives – and with local newspapers and online media – to draw attention to looming budget cuts to the field, and to highlight our funding recommendations as we move forward.

Included in the updated Toolkit are two sample letters:

Sample letter to your State representativesurging opposition to any cuts to OASAS. Instead, State funding for SUD services must be strengthened to address the issues exacerbated by COVID-19, which will save lives, improve health outcomes, and drive significant cost savings for NYS. Find your State Senator here and your State Assembly member here.
Sample letter to the editorfor your local newspaper/online media outlets highlighting the points made above.

Please note that while these letters were written to be submitted as they are, we strongly encourage all of you to personalize these letters to reflect what’s happening – or what will happen – in your programs if the Governor moves forward with plans to make 20-31% cuts to the OASAS system.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(8.6.20) Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.55, to extend telehealth regulatory flexibility for OASAS licensed, funded, and designated programs per Executive Order 202.1, until September 4, 2020.

Specifically: “Section 2999-cc of the Public Health Law and any regulatory provisions promulgated thereunder by the Department of Health, the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, to the extent necessary to allow additional telehealth provider categories and modalities, to permit other types of practitioners to deliver services within their scopes of practice and to authorize the use of certain technologies for the delivery of health care services to established patients, pursuant to such limitations as the commissioners of such agencies may determine appropriate.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(7.17.20) On Thursday, July 16 2020 John Coppola appeared on Capitol Tonight, a statewide political interview program, to discuss the rise in overdose deaths and the impact of the Governor’s decision to cut funding to our field in the middle of a virus pandemic. Watch the full interview here: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/capital-tonight/2020/07/16/cuts-to-opioid-treatment-programs-could-be-nightmare-for-providers

As always, please share widely on social media. Be sure to tag @ASAPNYS and @JohnJCoppola.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
(7.13.20) ASAP was featured in an article in the Buffalo News on Friday, speaking out against the 31% payment reductions to localities announced last week. Read the full story here, and please share widely on social media: https://buffalonews.com/news/substance-abuse-treatment-programs-warn-of-dire-consequences-from-cuts/article_634322da-c2bc-11ea-9ffb-bb3c0962ace6.html
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(7.11.20) The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), through its fiscal agent, the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH), is a recipient of a State Opioid Response Grant (SOR) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The SOR Grant will support several OASAS initiatives to address and deter opioid use disorder through prevention, treatment and recovery programs. OASAS will issue awards with a maximum amount of $15,000 each in one-time funding to selected OASAS certified outpatient programs for the purchase of Telepractice equipment and installation. Eligible applicants are OASAS outpatient programs certified pursuant to 14 NYCRR Part 822, operated by a voluntary agency, Local Government Unit (LGU) or for-profit, not including outpatient rehabilitation programs. Outpatient programs providing opioid full agonist medications (Opioid Treatment Programs or OTPs) may be included if they demonstrate how they will expand access to MAT and other services (such as providing buprenorphine and/or peer support services). Providers that operate multiple outpatient/opioid treatment programs may not apply for multiple awards. Providers who received a Telepractice award through the SOR Telepractice RFA issued in January 2020 and COTI providers are not eligible to receive an award through this RFA.
Applications Accepted Starting: July 27, 2020
Full RFA can be found at: https://www.oasas.ny.gov/procurement#current-opportunities
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(7.6.20) On July 6, 2020, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.48, which extends telehealth regulatory flexibility for OASAS certified programs with a telepractice designation until August 5, 2020. This Executive Order allows for the continuation of telephonic only service delivery as well as the ability for Certified Recovery Peer Advocates to deliver services by telepractice and by telephone. OASAS programs operating with the emergency OASAS telepractice approval have until September 7th to submit a permanent telepractice application. Executive Order 202.48 also extends modifications to the background check process for OASAS programs until August 5, 2020. Additional COVID related guidance can be found on the OASAS website.

View all Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance and recommendations for health care providers.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(7.8.20) During the initial onset of the Coronavirus, UST launched a COVID-19 Resource Center exclusively for 501(c)(3) nonprofits. This webpage, which has recently been revamped, offers a wide variety of educational content—including unemployment insights, workforce trends, employee wellness tips, COVID-19 FAQs and more. As we all continue to navigate these uncertain times, UST will continue to populate this resource center with new and innovative tools. Some of the NEWEST additions to this robust webpage include the following resources:

2020 Telecommuting Toolkit
Webinar Recording: Workplace Re-Entry Strategies
COVID-19 Nonprofit Stories

Be sure to check out the revamped COVID-19 Resource Center today! We encourage you to promote the COVID-19 Resource Center to your nonprofit members and peers to help educate them on the latest operational and employee engagement strategies.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(7.2.20) For your information and sharing . . . Get the Facts About Coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Topics Include:

Daily Life and Going Out
Helping Communities Plan and Respond (CDC provides health considerations and tools for operating during COVID-19)
Healthcare & Public Health (information for health care professionals, laboratories and health departments)
Updates And More!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

(7.2.20) Please see attached for new policy on testing and contact tracing for OMH/OASAS providers, issued on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(7.1.20) The following information and attached update is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub team. Late last night, the New York City Council passed the FY21 NYC budget after contentious negotiations around how to deal with the budget crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic and calls for NYPD funding cuts in the wake George Floyd’s death. Attached please find a summary and highlights of the adopted budget.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(7.1.20) John Coppola published an op-ed in the Albany Times Union this week, urging Governor Cuomo to give the state’s addiction service delivery system a “New York Strong” makeover.

‘Cuomo’s “New York Strong” approach to the COVID-19 pandemic has set the tone for the entire country. His emphasis on transformation and “build it better” is the right vision. The same leadership and strength of response is necessary to match the magnitude of the surge in addiction and overdose. New York is strong enough and could provide leadership for the country on how to address the addiction pandemic. We can “build it better.”‘

Read the full op-ed here: https://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/Commentary-Give-addiction-services-a-New-York-15375141.php
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(6.26.20) Brown and Weinraub Health Update. Please click here for the article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(6.23.20) The Siena College Research Institute (SCRI) is conducting a study as part of an effort to understand and address public health issues, including drug-related issues, in New York in general and the Capital Region specifically. Many questions in this survey were written prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. While life as we know it has changed, these public health issues remain a part of our society. If you believe you received and took this survey in March, please re-take the survey as some questions may have changed. SCRI invites your confidential participation in this important study. After you have taken the survey, please forward to your colleagues and encourage them to take it as well. Take the Survey

We appreciate your willingness to participate. Please contact SCRI’s Director, Dr. Don Levy (dlevy@siena.edu) with any questions and if you have already taken the survey in June.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(6.18.20) The following information is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub team.

COVID-19 Bills Signed:
Governor Cuomo has signed 20 COVID-19 related bills into law and vetoed one bill regarding paratransit services. Three additional bills have not yet been sent to the Governor for action. Please see attached listing of bills the Governor has acted on.

WORKERS’ COMP Q&A

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board has published a COVID-19 and Workers’ Compensation Q&A document to answer questions about workers’ compensation benefits to employees who contract COVID-19 while on the job.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

http://www.wcb.ny.gov/content/main/TheBoard/covid-19-workers-compensation-q-a-june-2020.pdf
(6.16.20) On last week’s ASAP Provider call with Dr. Manseau, a question was asked about guidance for provider employees who may be more vulnerable to COVID-19 due to health conditions and/or age. The guidance below should be helpful to those providers who still have questions.

Employees Who Need to Take Extra Precautions: Providers should reduce employees risk of exposure to COVID-19, while making sure to be compliant with relevant Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) regulations. This means following CDC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance for reducing workplace exposure for all employees. Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(6.15.20) H+H Offering “Priority Status” COVID & Antibody Testing to All Provider Agency Employees. All provider agency employees are now entitled to priority status for walk-in COVID-19 PCR testing and appointment-based Antibody testing at the H + H sites.

This means that with a work identification and a letter certifying staff membership in a DOHMH-contracted agency, individuals will be given priority status for PCR testing walk-in lines (allowed to skip). Please share this information with your staff.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(6.15.20) See attached for a Health Policy Update, prepared by our policy consultants at Brown & Weinraub.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(6.12.20) ASAP, representing substance use disorders prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery programs across New York State, issued the following statement in response to the murder of George Floyd and the harm being caused by racism in communities across the USA.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(6.12.20) New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene’s Webinar “Test – Trace – Take Care: How to support your patients and social service clients to access all components of testing, tracing, and getting the support they need to separate safely. Click here for the presentation slides.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(6.11.20) New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene follow-up to the webinar “PPE Purchasing Capacity Building for Providers” (6/10/20) we are providing two links below. Here are the links for the following: slide presentation and YouTube recording of the webinar. We hope you will find this information helpful.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(6.9.20) ASAP will no longer be hosting a provider Zoom meeting on Wednesdays, effective June 10, 2020. In place of our Wednesday meetings, all ASAP members are invited to participate in an ongoing webinar series hosted by OPEN MINDS. The webinar series is a part the Coalition for Behavioral Health’s Business Recovery Initiative, and is funded by the NYC COVID-19 Response and Impact Fund in The New York Community Trust. Each Wednesday’s webinar requires pre-registration.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(6.8.20) SAMHSA is committed to providing regular training and technical assistance (TTA) on matters related to the mental and substance use disorder field as they deal with COVID-19. Our TA programs are delivering great resources during this time. View the updated available TTA resources to assist with the current situation.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(6.7.20) On June 6, 2020, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.38, which extends telehealth regulatory flexibility for OMH-licensed, funded, and designated programs, as detailed in Executive Order 202.1, until July 6, 2020. Executive Order 202.38 also extends modifications to the background check process for OMH authorized programs, as detailed in Executive Order 202.13, until July 6, 2020.

For more information regarding OMH telehealth guidance during the COVID-19 emergency period, please visit: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/guidance/covid-19-consolidated-telemental-health-guidance.pdf

For more information regarding OMH background check guidance during the COVID-19 emergency period, please visit: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/guidance/covid-19-interim-background-check.pdf

OMH COVID-19 Resources: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/covid-19-resources.html

OMH COVID-19 Provider Guidance: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/guidance/
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.29.20) The following information is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub team. During his daily briefing today, Governor Cuomo announced that the five regions which reopened two weeks ago have met benchmarks to move to Phase 2. He also said NYC is on track to begin phased reopening on June 8. Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.20.20) Update from Brown & Weinraub. Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.18.20) Rob Zucker from Winning Strategies Washington presented on some of the SUD-related provisions included in the proposed next round of federal stimulus funding. See attached for summaries here and here.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.15.20) ASAP has developed an Advocacy Toolkit to help members weigh in with their representatives at the State and Federal levels – and with local newspapers and online media – to draw attention to our issues and funding recommendations during COVID-19. Included in the Toolkit are three sample letters and fact sheet:

Sample letter to your Congressional representative urging the inclusion of $38.5B in emergency federal relief for behavioral health providers nationwide. Find your Congressional representative here.
Sample letter to your State representatives urging opposition to any proposed cuts to OASAS. Instead, State funding for SUD services must be strengthened to address the issues exacerbated by COVID-19, which will save lives and improve outcomes, and drive significant cost savings for NYS. Find your State Senator here and your State Assembly member here.
Fact Sheet.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(5.15.20) As we continue monitoring COVID-19-related developments, specifically related to its impacts on employers, OneGroup has been compiling a list of helpful resources on returning to work. We have also developed a general return-to-work checklist for employers’ use as businesses begin to plan the process of returning to work. Please find this return-to-work checklist here. We have compiled a list of helpful resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) below:

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)

Reopening Guidance:

General Information for Businesses, Including FAQs

Posters: Hygiene Posters

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA)

Reopening Guidance: Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

General Information for Businesses: COVID-19 Resource Center
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(5.14.20) As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Americans are reporting high levels of emotional distress, with a growing negative impact on mental health and wellness. To support people who are struggling with isolation and loneliness during this difficult time, AHP adapted our evidence-based Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to produce a special publication that addresses these concerns. The Wellness Guide to Overcoming Isolation During COVID-19 provides practical guidance for overcoming feelings of isolation and loneliness by building connections with oneself and others. It is designed for self-exploration about being connected, staying connected, getting reconnected, and choosing connection even during difficult times. We’ve attached it here so you can access it immediately and use it in any way that helps people in your organization, network, or social or professional circles. You can also access it online.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.13.20) Update from Brown & Weinraub. Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.12.20) OASAS has requested regulatory relief in response to the COVID Emergency to support the provision of Substance Use Disorder treatment during this emergency. The waiver addresses issues such as Essential Services, Staffing, Consents, Treatment Plan requirements, billing requirements, etc. The attached draft document outlines the adaptations being sought under the waiver. The waiver is currently being finalized for approval. Providers should act in accordance to the guidance given in this document. Further information regarding this waiver will be provided once it is available. Please forward your questions to: legal@oasas.ny.gov or PICM@oasas.ny.gov
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.12.20) House Democrats today introduced a new coronavirus response bill titled the “Heroes Act.” The $3 trillion legislative package would provide $1 trillion “to state, local, territorial, and tribal governments who desperately need funds to pay vital workers like first responders, health workers, and teachers who keep us safe and are in danger of losing their jobs,” according to the press release. You can read the full press release here. ASAP will advocate that $38.5 billion must be included in the Heroes Act to provide emergency fiscal relief for behavioral health providers across the country, and will continue to monitor actions at the federal level with our partner advocacy groups. Attached is the 90-page summary of the Heroes Act bill package introduced by House Democrats today. A special thank you to TCA for quickly sharing the info above.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.11.20) Update from Brown and Weinraub. Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.11.20) **REMINDER** Upcoming “Office Hours” for Frontline Workers responding to Trauma and Covid- 19. OASAS is pleased to be continuing our Partnerships with the Institute on Trauma and Trauma and Trauma Informed Care (ITTIC), to continue our support of our Frontline Staff during this Global Pandemic. The “Office Hours” are offered in two week cycles. Below please find the announcement of the next week of “Office Hours” to assist frontline staff in developing practical approaches to dealing with Trauma.

The targeted groups are as follows:
Click here for Prevention
Click here for Peers
Click here for Inpatient and Residential Providers
Click here for OTPS and Outpatient
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(5.11.20) ASAP continues to work with OneGroup to stay on top of the latest issues, requirements, etc. regarding COVID19. Many of OneGroup’s clients have reached out over the past 2 weeks regarding the COVID Crisis, with questions surrounding OSHA requirements and WC insurance. Employers have had EE’s that may have contracted the virus in the workplace and have lost time from work including in patient hospitalizations and clients have self-reported and others have received “third party” notification from the WCB and/or OSHA. Like most of the regulations surrounding COVID, there is a lack of guidance and (grey areas) for interpretation.

OneGroup’s Risk Management team has been working for their clients to address the questions surrounding WC and OSHA requirements.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.10.20) Barclay Damon Webinar on COVID-19’s Impact on Liability and Coverage Claims in New York State. Click here for the slides.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(5.8.20) Please see attached a letter from Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, regarding the ordering of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the coronavirus pandemic.

View all Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance and recommendations for health care providers.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.8.20) Update from Brown and Weinraub. Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.7.20) Shatterproof: Resources for Addiction Treatment Providers. We have heard from many providers struggling to find information on telehealth, their state’s policies on OTP operation during this crisis, and insurance guidance. To respond to these requests and others, we would like to share this list of resources for addiction treatment providers. Click here for the full resource guide.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.7.20) John Coppola appeared on CBS6 News in Albany last night to weigh in on the Governor’s proposed budget cuts and why the SUD system should be spared during COVID-19.

“What you’re really doing by cutting addiction programs is you’re guaranteeing that more people will go to the hospital, more people will go to the emergency department. More people will be arrested,” Coppola said

Watch the full clip here: http://cbs6albany.com/news/coronavirus/domestic-violence-substance-abuse-non-profits-in-fear-of-state-funding-cuts
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(5.5.20) Legislative Alert from CADCA: Ensure Prevention Included in Future COVID 19 Legislation

BACKGROUND/ISSUE: Congress is starting to work on a fourth piece of legislation to address the issues due to COVID 19. The third COVID 19 Act, CARES, included $100 million for SAMHSA to provide to the states to address mental health and substance use issues – all of which is only for treatment. In these terribly stressful times, it is more crucial than ever that additional funding for substance use prevention strategies, activities and programming be made available to help mitigate the heightened risks of substance use and misuse. It is critical that members of Congress hear from our field that any additional funding included in future COVID 19 bills to address mental health and substance use issues, must explicitly make substance use prevention an allowable use of these funds.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Use CADCA’s system to send letters to your congressional delegation to ask them to ensure that any new funding included for mental health and substance use issues related to COVID 19 explicitly include substance use prevention as an allowable use of funds. CADCA’s legislative alerts use your home address to send letters to your members of Congress, from you, as one of their constituents. Click here to send a letter to the members of your Congressional delegation, as a constituent.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(5.4.20) Update from Brown and Weinraub. Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.1.20) Substance Use Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Associates, LLC released a new Policy Brief today covering substance use prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors describe how to use the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) to support modified prevention efforts both during and after the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is dramatically altering US society. The virus and social distancing measures have disrupted nearly every aspect of life. Prevention professionals must be prepared for disruptions to persist. COVID-19 may increase rates of substance use while hindering the delivery of some prevention services. This brief discusses the short- and long-term need for substance use prevention and offers recommendations on how prevention professionals can safely continue work.

Download the Full Policy Brief (PDF): Substance Use Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.1.20) The following information is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub healthcare team. DOH has released updated Medicaid on COVID-related Telehealth Services, along with a notice for a webinar on the same subject for May 5. Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.1.20) Please see the attached NYS Department of Health flyer on testing for essential workers, distribute to your essential employees, and if possible, post within your program sites. Feeling stressed by the COVID-19 pandemic? You are not alone. Call the NYS Emotional Support Helpline 7 days a week, 8am-10pm at 1-844-863-9314.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(5.1.20) The following information is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub team.
NOTES FROM TODAY’S BRIEFING: At his daily briefing, Governor Cuomo made a number of announcements including:

New York schools will not reopen this school year. A decision about summer school and related programs will be made at a later date.
NYS is taking additional steps to provide mental health services including directing insurers to waive co-pays
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/amid-ongoing-covid-19-pandemic-governor-cuomo-announces-schools-and-college-facilities

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM EARLIER IN THE WEEK: We wanted to share Governor Cuomo’s announcements on Thursday and the executive order issued Wednesday. These materials cover:

New York’s contract tracing program to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
The resumption of elective surgeries at hospitals meeting certain criteria

It also is worth noting that at his two most recent briefings, Governor Cuomo said he expects to make a decision about reopening schools very soon and when asked about summer camps he said options are being weighed. The Governor continues to stress a reluctance to open venues in parts of the state that will draw crows from across the state and beyond. The need for federal assistance has been underscored during all of the Governor’s appearances.

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/video-audio-photos-rush-transcript-amid-ongoing-covid-19-pandemic-governor-cuomo-announces-15
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-20225-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency

______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.29.20) Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) are conducting an online research study to learn about how stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic affect the mental health of healthcare workers over time. We hope to better understand the experiences of healthcare workers during this difficult time. Participation involves completing online questionnaires every 1-3 months for 12 months. The questionnaires take about 30 minutes to complete. You must be at least 18 years old to participate. Participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time. Compensation is not provided. Please go to: covidhcwstudy.ctss.nih.gov to participate. Email covidhcwstudy@nih.gov with any questions you may have. Click here to learn more.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.29.20) Attached is a letter from NYS Health Commissioner Howard Zucker related to an online survey from a consortium of NYS academic centers collecting information on the health impact of COVID-19 on the NYS healthcare workforce. We encourage providers to participate. To access the survey, please use the following link: https://redcap.nyspi.org/surveys/?s=NXN7CHK3TW
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.29.20) Budget bulletin issued by DOB and COVID-19 billing guidance for OMH-licensed clinic programs both issued on April 28, 2020.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.28.20) The following update is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub team.
DAILY BRIEFING: Governor Cuomo held his daily briefing at SUNY Upstate Medical Center where he had the opportunity to thank front line health care workers. Reopening is a factual discussion. The objective is to reopen without infecting more people or overwhelming the hospital system. Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.27.20) Attached for updated DOH guidance on COVID-19 testing protocols, which will be posted to the DOH website shortly.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.26.20) ASAP urges finance and management staff working in prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery programs to attend the following webinars being hosted by the National Council:

* Extending the Runway – Leveraging Stimulus/Relief Efforts: Review of relief packages available to behavioral health providers and case studies/experiences from the field in accessing these financial relief efforts.
Tuesday April 28th at 1pm ET: Register here<https://go.thenationalcouncil.org/lMJVv000R6J00F3f90b0m0M>

* Sustaining the New Normal: Guidance on evaluating the “levers” that can be pulled to stabilize operations in the new normal, such as improving forecasted cash flows including staffing adjustments, revenue opportunities and extending credit.
Tuesday May 5th at 1pm ET: Register here<https://go.thenationalcouncil.org/n0M00nw03VbR0FJ0J600fM9>
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.25.20) ASAP Executive Director John Coppola appeared on the Capitol Pressroom radio program in Albany to highlight issues impacting the SUD field during COVID-19.

You can listen to the full interview here:

. The clip is dated April 24th and titled “Combating the opioid crisis during COVID-19.”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.24.20) Ten Things We Need To Know About Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness. On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act, a $2.3 trillion relief package designed to help individuals and businesses weather the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.23.20) OASAS’ next month of “Office Hours” for Frontline Workers responding to Trauma and Covid- 19. We are pleased to be continuing our Partnerships with the Institute on Trauma and Trauma and Trauma Informed Care (ITTIC), to continue our support of our Heroic Frontline Staff during this Global Pandemic. The “Office Hours” are offered in two week cycles. Attached you will find the announcement of the next four weeks of “Office Hours” to assist frontline staff in developing practical approaches to dealing with Trauma. Through the “Office Hours” participants will learn some basic skills on a the topic of the day and have an opportunity to discuss with their colleagues and peers how they are coping with issues of stress, anxiety and loss. Each participant will leave with resources on how to continue to address the issue discussed. The schedule is as follows: April 27^th through May 8^th will focus on Grief, Loss and Meaning Making and May 11^th through 22^nd will focus on Vicarious Trauma and Resilience.

(4.23.20) OASAS opportunity for administrators and directors of OASAS programs to participate in a series of webinars hosted by the University at Buffalo Institute for Trauma and Trauma Informed Care. OASAS has offered a similar series to frontline peer, outpatient, OTP, residential, prevention and inpatient staff. The first series entitled: Navigating Worry, Stress and Fear was attended by over 800 people so far. We are happy to be able to offer the series to administrative staff so that you are aware of the content and have an opportunity to interact with the excellent presenters about your own reactions and to share ideas about ways to help staff through this difficult time. Click here for the links to register. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.22.20) The following information is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub team: At his daily briefing, Governor Cuomo addressed plans to reopen the NYS economy on a region-by-region basis informed by widespread testing. During discussions with President Trump yesterday, Cuomo made progress in engaging the federal government to take responsibility for the testing kit supply chain for the national manufacturers who he said need swabs, vials, chemicals and “reagents.” While the federal government manages supply chain issues at a national scale, New York will ramp up testing capacity at its labs. Read the Governor’s comments following his meeting with President Trump here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/following-meeting-president-trump-governor-cuomo-announces-partnership-federal-government.
Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.22.20) Join One Group on Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 PM for the fifth installment of our webinar series as our experts discuss important employer considerations for returning employees to work after the COVID-19 crisis, in addition to other timely updates. Our expert panel will guide you through topics in risk management, claims, human resources and more to arm you with the information, tools and know-how you need to safely re-open your business. Click here for the full announcement and webinar dial in information.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.21.20) DOH and OASAS webinar that was presented on infection control practices for people working in the SUD field. Click here to access slides.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.21.20) The Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network, the Center for Excellence on Protected Health Information (CoE-PHI), the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers, and the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT) at the University of Nevada – Reno (UNR) are facilitating a FREE, national online discussion and resource sharing opportunity for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers and peer support specialists faced with transitioning their services to the use of telephone and videoconferencing methods in response to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Who Should Attend: SUD treatment providers, including peer specialists, counselors, administrators, peer support officers, and others providing and/or interested in providing care to patients/peers via videoconferencing platforms (telehealth) and/or telephone. Click here for session information and registration.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.20.20) The Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network, and the Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network are facilitating a FREE, national online discussion and resource sharing opportunity for the substance use (SU) prevention, treatment, and recovery workforces focused on emerging issues around social determinants of health (SDH) and COVID-19. Click here to access.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.20.20) SAMHSA Update: Training and Technical Assistance Related to COVID-19. Training and Technical Assistance Related to COVID-19 SAMHSA is committed to providing regular training and technical assistance (TTA) on matters related to the mental and substance use disorder field as they deal with COVID-19. Our TA programs are delivering great resources during this time. View the updated available TTA resources to assist with the current situation. View TTA Resources
______________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.17.20) OASAS guidance for providers of impaired driver screening and assessment services.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.17.20) Governor Cuomo’s latest Executive Order 202.18, issued last night, that provides some flexibility to use out of state professionals and practitioners, including Social Workers, Psychologists and Mental Health Practitioners, Nurses, NPs and PAs, even if they do not possess NYS licenses. As was mentioned on this morning’s ASAP provider call, the Governor’s Executive Order also permits nonprofit corporations to hold their annual meetings remotely or by electronic means, rather than in person.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.17.20) Online Substance Abuse Prevention Resources: This time of social distancing and quarantine comes with an increase in substance abuse and promotion of drinking to “pass the time.” Social media is full of images of people at home drinking, including jokes about parents having a glass of wine per lesson they teach their child. While these jokes aren’t intended to be harmful, they perpetuate dangerous ideas about how to cope with stress and manage emotions. Many children and teens are seeing these posts, or seeing their parents doing this, and learn to imitate these behaviors. Now is the time to have important conversations with your children about substance abuse and healthy methods of managing stress and emotions during confusing and frustrating times. The below resources can help you navigate these conversations.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.16.20) The following information is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub team. At his press briefing today, Governor Cuomo announced he is extending provisions of NY on PAUSE through May 15. He also offered additional detail on the requirement to wear face covering in public, specifying public transit, for-hire care services, and stores as places where safe social distancing cannot be maintained.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.15.20) NYS DOH: Interim Guidance on Executive Order 202.16 Requiring Face Coverings for Public and Private Employees Interacting with the Public During the COVID-19 Outbreak.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.15.20) Update from Brown and Weinraub. Click here for full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.14.20) Federal financial assistance is now available to support provider telehealth needs. The COVID-19 Telehealth Program will provide $200 million in funding, appropriated by Congress as part of the CARES Act, to help health care providers – including eligible community mental health and substance use treatment providers – fund technology and equipment to bolster service delivery via telehealth. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is charged with distributing these funds and accepting applications. The program will provide immediate support by fully funding telecommunications services, information services and devices necessary to deliver connected care services to patients at their homes or mobile locations. The program will last until the funds have been expended or the pandemic ends. The application portal opened yesterday at 12 p.m. ET and the application vetting begins this week. Funding is distributed on a rolling basis until it is all gone. The link to information the application and FAQs: https://www.fcc.gov/covid-19-telehealth-program?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTmpkbE56VTVPR1UyT0dRMCIsInQiOiJBRVRFdjg4SEFPRHhZTm1kSnVvVUFWU3BPVnltY1lpRVc2UFBzbm8xRTVXQWtvTzhnQ0Z1TGpYV2FYSGFNRkt4Z3hoUDRuQmtsS0E1STNKamFXZmxxQkxlaFdWWGhiWVNqRzZJNHB5U0o5NEVNcm4zN2JkSVMxSnhvUFhldEhtUyJ9
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.14.20) OASAS’ Office Hours for Staff in Inpatient and Residential Settings – Navigating Worry, Stress, and Fear: Support for Frontline Workers during COVID-19. The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care (ITTIC) at the State University at Buffalo to support to our heroic frontline staff during this global pandemic. For the next two months, we will be offering “Office Hours” conducted by Susan Green, LCSW and Samantha Koury, LMSW, from ITTIC. They will be available to assist direct care staff in developing practical approaches to responding to trauma. Participants will learn basic skills on the “topic of the day,” which will change every two weeks, and will have an opportunity to discuss with their colleagues and peers how they are coping with issues of stress, anxiety, and loss related to the current state of our communities. Each participant will receive resources on how to continue addressing the issues discussed. Click here for Office Hours for Staff in Inpatient and Residential Settings and session information.
Click here for Office Hours for Staff in OTPs and Community-Based Settings. Click here for Office Hours for Prevention Staff.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.14.20) OneGroup COVID-19 Healthcare Frequently Asked Questions.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.14.20) The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans
to small businesses. Click here to download the handout.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.14.20) Health Funding Handbook, sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub team.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.14.20) New York City community-based behavioral health providers are having increasing challenges maintaining essential congregate care services to New Yorkers with behavioral health needs and developmental/intellectual disabilities during the COIVD-19 pandemic. Maintenance of staffing levels is a key challenge. To keep services operational and clients safe, programs are increasingly reliant on relief staffing provided by healthcare staffing companies. To support New Yorkers receiving care at these sites, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) will launch the NYC COVID Congregate Care Staffing Portal. The Coalition for Behavioral Health will operate the portal. Click here for full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.13.20) The following information is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub healthcare team. Governor Cuomo has issued a new Executive Order directing employers to provide masks to employees who interact with the public beginning 8 pm April 15. For all essential businesses or entities, any employees who are present in the workplace shall be provided and shall wear face coverings when in direct contact with customers or members of the public. Businesses must provide, at their expense, such face coverings for their employees. This provision may be enforced by local governments or local law enforcement as if it were an order pursuant to section 12 or 12-b of the Public Health Law. This requirement shall be effective Wednesday, April 15 at 8 p.m. Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.12.20) OneGroup is continuing to monitor the coronavirus pandemic’s developments and its impacts on employers. Click here for some important resources specifically for New York employers. Click here for COVID-19 Employee Leave Quick Guide.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.11.20) One Group: Health Insurance Providers Covering Treatment in Response to Coronavirus and NY Small Group premium payments while under COVID-19 financial stress. As the number of coronavirus cases in the United States continues to increase many health insurance providers are taking action. Coronavirus testing and related office visits are mandated to be covered-in-full by all health insurance plans. This was a result of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and it pertains to fully-insured and self-insured health insurance plans. Most health insurance carriers are taking that a step further and are now covering coronavirus related treatment in full as well. Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.10.20) Update is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub team. Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.10.20) Treatment Communities of America (TCA) has published a newsletter with announcements and other helpful information on COVID-19 and the ongoing response at the Federal level. Read the newsletter here.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.8.20) A new OASAS resource to use and share during COVID-19.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.7.20) Click here for the latest update on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub team.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(4.7.20) Workforce Help for Service Providers: Resource to address staffing shortages created by Coronavirus.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.6.20) Please find the attached streamlined telepractice document, shared by Rob Kent at OASAS. All of the forms referenced in the document, as well as other guidance and useful information, can be found here: https://oasas.ny.gov/keywords/coronavirus
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.6.20) The following information is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub team. Two key take-aways from Governor Cuomo’s briefing today:

New York on PAUSE is extended through April 29
The maximum fine for violations of state-mandated social distancing rules is increased from $500 to $1000

Other points of interest:
The CDC offers information on how to wear a facemask as is not recommended anytime you are outside of your home.https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Use the following link to learn more and access applications for federal assistance programs: https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.4.20) OASAS COVID-19 materials. https://oasas.ny.gov/keywords/coronavirus
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.5.20) The following information is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub healthcare team. Please see the attached, issued April 3, 2020, by the Department of Health, with COVID-19 Guidance regarding Suspension of Health Plan Utilization Review Requirements for:

Inpatient Rehabilitation
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Other Health Care Providers

This guidance will also be posted on the COVID-19 Guidance for Medicaid Providers webpage, which is updated regularly with guidance and information.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.2.20) Click here for some highlights from the SFY 2021 Budget, sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub team.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.2.20) Click here for an updated analysis of the OASAS Aid to Localities budget, including appropriations buried in the State Operations budget bill. A big thank you to John Tauriello at Brown & Weinraub for his detailed and timely analysis.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.2.20) See this helpful Youtube video for those of you working through the CARES Act paycheck protection plan loan process. A special thanks to Rob Kent at OASAS for sharing this resource. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wMxKVQANy6M&feature=youtu.be#dialog
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.1.20) COVID-19 Division of Mental Hygiene Guidance for Contracted Providers. As a contracted or subcontracted provider of the Division of Mental Hygiene, you may find the following guidance documents helpful. Click here for the Letter from COH re: BH Provider Surge; DR4480-PNP-PRA-Packet-Private-Not-For-Profit and COVID-19 Applicant Briefings for Public Assistance LocalGovt and PNPs.

NY State:
1. NYS Homeland Security and Emergency Services – Request for Public Assistance from FEMA
a. Applicant Briefing Announcement DR-4480 (COVID-19) – see information about webinar on 4/2/20
b. Private Non-Profit Eligibility Guidelines
NY City:
1. DOHMH: Letter from Commissioner of Health with guidance to request volunteers to fulfill your surge staffing needs (3.31.20). Note: This replaces the previous surge staffing letter sent on 3.23.20

Please visit the DOHMH COVID-19 Provider website often to keep up-to-date with the latest information https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-providers.page. You can also text “COVID” to 692-692 to receive text updates.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.1.20) The following information is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub healthcare team. NYS BUDGET UPDATE: We are combing through available NYS Budget bills as they are printed to identify opportunities of interest to specific clients. We understand the process continues to move ahead and will share additional information as we have it. Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.1.20) The following and attached information is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub healthcare team. Brown & Weinraub has had a lot of questions about the recently enacted federal CARES Act. We have obtained the consent of our friends at Sachs Consulting to share their summary of the Act with you. Read the summary here. On March 26th, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act,” or CARES Act, an approximately $2.2 trillion relief package to address the rapidly growing COVID-19 public health emergency, passed the Senate on a vote of 96-0. The four missing Senators were in isolation due to confirmed or potential COVID-19 infection. The House then passed the law by voice vote on March 27th, and President Trump signed the law on the same day. The CARES Act is the largest relief package in U.S. history. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal budget for this fiscal year was expected to be roughly $4.7 trillion. The attached document summarizes major aspects of the law, which is available here.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.1.20) Update from Brown and Weinraub Healthcare Team. DOH has released a link to a new FAQ on Medicaid Telehealth, and is also planning a webinar on Medicaid Telehealth (date TBD). Click here to read the full article.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(4.1.20) Please see the following link for the SBA’s COVID-19 guidance for small business loan applicants: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.31.20) The Office of Disaster Recovery at the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will be holding several virtual Applicant Briefings to discuss the federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that may be available under the COVID-19 major disaster declaration. We strongly encourage all non-profit service providers to join one of the scheduled webinars to learn more. See attached for a briefings schedule and registration links.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.30.20) DFS information on delaying health insurance premiums: https://www.dfs.ny.gov/press_releases/pr202003301
Emergency regulation: https://www.dfs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/03/re_consolidated_amend_pt_405_27a_27c_new_216_text.pdf
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(3.30.20) Updated: DOH Guidance on Healthcare Personnel Return to Work and Protocols. Please note that this supersedes previously issued guidance and does not differ materially from what has been issued by OMH to State-operated providers. As you may know, Governor Cuomo also has issued an Executive Order dictating that DOH directives supersede any direction from county health authorities, as well as any directives made by other political subdivisions. While the attached reflects guidance which DOH is mandating for the providers targeted in this communication, OMH is providing you this same communication, as a resource. OMH recommends that community mental health providers follow these guidelines wherever relevant. OMH continues to add guidance documents, including FAQs, to the OMH Guidance website: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/guidance/. Please check daily for updates.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(3.30.20) Update from Brown and Weinraub. Click here to read the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.30.20) Update from Brown and Weinraub healthcare team. In most recent EO (today) https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-20213-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency :

Sections 16.33, 16.34, 31.35 and 19.20 of the Mental Hygiene law; sections 378-a, 424-a and 495 of the Social Services law; sections 550,633.5, 633.24 and 805 of Title 14 of the NYCRR; Article 3, sections 442.18, 447.2, 448.3, 449.4, 450.9, 451.6 of Title 18 of the NYCRR ; and sections 166-1.2, 180-1.5, 180-3.4, 182-1.5, 182-1.9, 182-1.11, 182-2.5, 182-2.9 and 6051.1 of Title 9 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to allow current employees of OPWDD or OPWDD approved providers, OCFS licensed or certified programs, OASAS certified, funded or authorized programs, OMH or OMH licensed, funded or approved programs who have previously undergone such background checks to be employed by a different OPWDD approved provider and/or OCFS licensed or certified program and/or OASAS certified, funded or authorized program and/or OMH licensed, funded or approved program without undergoing new background checks. These provisions are also waived to the extent necessary to allow providers the discretion to permit already qualified individuals and who are not listed on the Staff Exclusion List to work unsupervised while an updated background check is completed;
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.30.20) Attached you will find a letter ASAP shared last week with the Governor’s office and legislative leadership regarding our concern with an item included in Medicaid Redesign Team II recommendations that would carve out the managed care pharmacy benefit. We encourage you to use the attached letter as a template if your organization would like to weigh in on this issue with your district legislators. As a reminder, the State budget deadline is tomorrow at midnight. ASAP will provide updates on the budget – including a comprehensive analysis – as soon as possible. Stay tuned for additional updates.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.30.20) Families First Coronavirus Response Act Notice Released. On March 25, 2020, the Department of Labor (DOL) published a notice for employers to use to satisfy the posting requirement in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Covered employers can find the FFCRA notice here. The Department of Labor also published frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the notice on its website. Per the FAQs, each covered employer must post a notice of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requirements in a conspicuous place on its premises. An employer may satisfy this requirement by emailing or direct mailing this notice to employees, or posting this notice on an employee information internal or external website. OneGroup will continue to monitor legislative changes due to COVID-19, and issue updates as appropriate.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(3.30.20) The Office of Disaster Recovery at the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will be holding several virtual Applicant Briefings to discuss the federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that may be available under the COVID-19 major disaster declaration. See attached for a briefings schedule and registration links.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.27.20) Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, New Yorkers can begin medication-assisted treatment (MAT) at home in various counties. Find a provider in your catchment area to inquire about at-home buprenorphine induction at the following link: https://oasas.ny.gov/medication-assisted-treatment-telehealth
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.27.20) Reporting and Discharge Protocols for Criminal Justice Involved Individuals During the COVID-19 Crisis newly issued OASAS guidance. Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.27.20) The following information is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub healthcare team:.
https://www.medicaid.gov/state-resource-center/disaster-response-toolkit/federal-disaster-resources/?entry=54067

New York’s application to the federal government to waive certain Medicaid and Medicare requirements was granted last night. The 1135 Waiver waives or modifies certain Medicaid and Medicare rules to “to ensure that health care providers that furnish such items and services in good faith, but are unable to comply with one or more of such requirements as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, may be reimbursed for such items and services and exempted from sanctions for such noncompliance, absent any determination of fraud or abuse.” Click here for the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.26.20) The following information is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub healthcare team.
As NYS continues to try to identify additional hospital bed capacity, Governor Cuomo announced that an additional 12,000 healthcare workers, including retirees and students, have signed up to volunteer to work as part of the state’s surge healthcare force during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This brings the total number of volunteers to more than 52,000. The Governor also announced that more than 8,600 mental health professionals, including individuals from other states, have signed up to provide free online mental health services; appointments can be scheduled using the state’s hotline at 1-844-863-9314. Click here for the full article.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.25.20) ASAM COVID-19 Resources. As the leader in developing clinical guidelines and standards in addiction medicine, we take our responsibility very seriously. We realize that many providers and programs are trying to mitigate circumstances related to COVID-19. We have convened the ASAM Caring for Patients During the COVID-19 (CPDC) Task Force. The Task Force includes a national panel of experts that are recognized in the field of addiction medicine. They are rapidly producing comprehensive resources tailored to addiction medicine treatment within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.25.20) New York State Government Call for Health Professionals
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.25.20) ONDCP: COVID-19 Resources – We appreciate the effort, sacrifices, and concern many of you are facing in keeping yourselves, loved ones, and community members healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak. Below are a number of updated resources and guidance compiled by our Federal colleagues and the White House. Please continue to reach out to us should you need additional resources to help you respond to this crisis.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.25.20) As many of you already know, SAMHSA has a number of resources to assist you in getting help, access treatment, and connect to a crisis counselor. Please click here for the resources.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.25.20) Some service providers have indicated concerns about people living in residential treatment centers being required to leave the facility for in-person HRA appointments. This is contrary to Coronavirus related health directives. If you have any such experiences or others needing attention, contact: Maribel Pagan – paganmar@hra.nyc.gov and Greer McKnight – mcknightg@hra.nyc.gov
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.25.20) Many mental health clinicians are shifting to telehealth to provide essential services during the COVID-19 outbreak in New York State. The attached guidance document provides telehealth tips for mental health clinicians working with suicidal clients, including recommendations on how to develop a clinical management plan and adaptations for conducting comprehensive suicide risk assessment and safety planning in a telehealth setting. It was developed by the Suicide Prevention Training, Implement, and Evaluation group at the Center for Practice Innovations at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute. Click here for the guidance document.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.25.20) Please see the attached FAQ document, which provides answers to many frequently asked questions received from OMH Supportive Housing providers. OMH continues to add guidance documents, including FAQs, to the OMH Guidance website: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/guidance/. Please check daily for updates.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.25.20 Brown & Weinraub healthcare team update) Governor Cuomo’s focus has been on increasing treatment capacity and securing needed equipment, while continuing to plead for help from the Federal government. The Governor underscored his optimism that, although it’s going to get worse in the near term, we will emerge New York Strong.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.25.20) The following information is sent on behalf of the Brown & Weinraub healthcare team.The attached letter from Dr. Howard Zucker, Commissioner of Health to CMS, requests significant flexibility and waiver authority to address the COVID-19 virus emergency, under Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, EMTALA, and HIPAA programs and authority, pursuant to Section 1135 or the Social Security Act. The letter requests broad and sweeping flexibility and waiver authority from CMS that would impact virtually all health and behavioral health providers in the State. Among the many areas that NY is seeking flexibility and waiver authority from Federal requirements include: provider screening and enrollment, hospital requirements, HIPAA and EMTALA requirements, fear hearing timeframes and requirements, critical access hospital size, health homes, long-term care, behavioral health care requirements, hospice, telehealth, physician referrals, lab services, managed care, and additional flexibility to increase rates and revenues. We have been informed that the State can expect a response from CMS within approximately 5-days. Importantly, this requested flexibility and waiver authority has not yet been approved, however, we believe it may be helpful for all providers to review this letter, to help you plan for needed emergency actions in the coming days and weeks. We will send out another notice as soon as we hear which of these requests are approved by CMS.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.24.20 Covid-19 Tips for Children, Elders and Vulnerable Populations )
Children and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Tips to keep children healthy while school’s out
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/children.html
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Checklist: Older Persons
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/retirement/checklist.html
People who are at higher risk for severe illness
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/people-at-higher-risk.html
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.24.20) Fair Chance for Housing: Rent Assistance. It is ASAP’s understanding that HRA is offering Cash Assistance special grants for people who are likely to miss rent due to reduced income. If your work schedule or the schedules of your employees have been reduced as a result of the coronavirus and you/they are unable to pay rent, you can apply for a Cash Assistance special grant to get benefits for an emergency like the coronavirus. For information and to apply, visit ACCESS HRA: https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.24.20 Updated COVID-19 Medicaid Update Special Edition: Comprehensive Telehealth Guidance 3-23-2020)

From NYSDOH: Attached please find an updated version of the Medicaid Update Special Edition – Comprehensive Guidance Regarding Use of Telehealth including Telephonic Services During the COVID-19 State of Emergency, which now includes clarifications for FQHC billing as well as billing for home care providers. This guidance was originally issued on March 21, 2020. The Department will be scheduling a webinar shortly to walk through this guidance and a set of FAQs for Medicaid telehealth are under development.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.24.20) IMPORTANT Announcement from NYS DHSES on FEMA Public Assistance/Disaster Grant Funding by Brown & Weinraub Healthcare Team). The NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will be conducting a series of briefings regarding the federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that may be available under the COVID-19 major disaster declaration. The briefing will provide state agencies and authorities, local governments and private non-profits guidance on the eligibility standards for being an applicant under a FEMA disaster grant and what types of activities are reimbursable under this current declaration.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.24.20) Update from Brown & Weinraub healthcare team. Last night, Governor Cuomo released Executive Order 202.10 in the continued effort to stem the spread of coronavirus in the State. This new EO has sweeping ramifications for those in the health care space. Click here to read the full article.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.23.20) Essential OASAS Employee letter template, as defined in guidance to implement Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.
Essential OASAS patient letter template, as defined in guidance to implement Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.23.20) Updated OASAS Questions & Answers
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.23.20) Update from Brown & Weinraub. While doing everything NYS can to respond to the COVID-19, and continuing to request needed federal help, Governor Cuomo is beginning to look beyond the crisis. Click here for the update.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.23.20) NYS is in desperate need of space, goods, and services, including healthcare and behavioral health professionals who wish to offer their services in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Please see the DOH website below to find out how you or your organization can contribute or volunteer: https://apps.health.ny.gov/pubpal/builder/survey/nys-covid19-tracking-offers
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.23.20) Please click here for the to FAQ’s related to telepractice in OASAS settings. Any questions can be directed to legal@oasas.ny.gov
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.22.20) DOH Medicaid Update: Comprehensive COVID-19 Guidance for Telehealth – Please see the Medicaid Update Special Edition, issued yesterday by NYS DOH, featuring an updated comprehensive guidance regarding the use of telehealth, including telephonic services, during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.21.20) Direct links to newly issued OASAS guidance:

Regulatory Relief for Providers amid COVID-19 – http://oasas.ny.gov/regulatory-relief-providers-amid-covid-19
OASAS is temporarily waiving certain rules and regulations to ensure maximum flexibility and support for certified and/or funded providers. Issued 3/20/20.

Guidance for Admissions and Continued Stay in Community Based OASAS Inpatient and Residential Settings during COVID-19 diaster emergency – https://oasas.ny.gov/guidance-residential-providers-covid-19
Guidance for admissions and continued stay in community-based OASAS inpatient and residential settings during the COVID-19 disaster emergency. Issued 3/20/20.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.20.20) GUIDANCE FOR OASAS RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY-BASED PROVIDERS REGARDING WORKFORCE REDUCTIONS ORDERED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER 202.6
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.20.20) Attached you will find resource documents developed by Helio Health in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The information and processes in these documents may not be applicable to every program or provider, but we hope that you will find something useful to aid in your efforts during this uncertain time.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.20.20) The latest OASAS Guidance for Telepractice Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). OASAS suggestions that prior to reading the FAQ sheet, those interested in this topic first review the current guidance documents that have been posted regarding the COVID-19 response and Telepractice in relation to this topic. Click here to download.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.20.20) Guidance for Congregate Settings during the COVID-19 outbreak
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.20.20) Update from our public policy consultants, Brown & Weinraub. EXECUTIVE ORDER EXPANDS WORKPLACE RESTRICTIONS. Late last evening, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order. Click here for the following provisions.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.19.20) ASAP continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and the State’s response to the crisis. See below for today’s update, sent on behalf of our public policy consultants at Brown & Weinraub.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(3.18.20) OTDA Guidance
______________________________________________________________________________________________________