New York has ended a requirement that forced nursing homes to admit residents, regardless of their COVID-19 status, in a reversal by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D).

Hospitals cannot discharge patients to nursing homes in the state until they have tested negative for the disease, officials announced in May. The state previously had required facilities to accept all patients from hospitals and prohibited them from requiring COVID-19 tests prior to admitting residents. 

While providers are pleased with the reversal, LeadingAge New York Executive Vice President Daniel Heim said it goes “too far.”

“This policy could lead to major delays in vulnerable people receiving the nursing home care they need or returning to the facility that is their home, and ignores the fact that several nursing homes in New York, at the state’s encouragement, have set up dedicated units that are effectively caring for COVID-positive residents,” Heim said. 

Also in May, the state mandated that facilities test staff for COVID-19 twice a week. Providers asked for financial assistance for this task.