COVID-19 Update
January 18, 2022
Supreme Court Issues Opinion on OSHA and CMS Vaccination Vaccine Mandates
On January 13, the Supreme Court issued their much-awaited decisions regarding the OSHA Vaccination & Testing Emergency Standard (OSHA ETS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Vaccination Mandate Interim Final Rule (IFR).

The Court ruled 6-3 against the OSHA ETS Vaccine Mandate. Therefore, this mandate is stayed and will not be enforced at this time. A copy of the full decision is available here. This will be positive news for many across our field, particularly with regard to the many implications this mandate may have had for staffing.

The Court ruled 5-4 to uphold the CMS vaccine mandate. This mandate will move forward as expected. A copy of the full decision is available here.

Federal Public Health Emergency Extended
On Friday, January 14, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services renewed the federal declaration of a public health emergency (PHE) relating to COVID-19. The extension is effective for 90 days, at which time the need for a declaration will be reviewed. The extension of the federal PHE continues the provisions of the Appendix K Waiver. 

NADSP COVID-19 Resources for DSPs
The latest edition of The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals' (NADSP) Frontline Initiative newsletter is dedicated to the DSP experience during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The newsletter addresses the importance of vaccines, methods to control the spread of COVID-19, and guidance for DSPs and the people they support in processing grief. We encourage everyone to take a moment to read the newsletter and share with your DSPs.

OPWDD Booster Dose Quick Flyer
The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) published an easy-to-use flyer detailing eligibility and timing of COVID-19 booster doses. Please circulate this to all those who may be eligible for a booster dose.

OPWDD Revised Vaccination Mandate Chart
OPWDD again revised their Comparison of Vaccination Regulations Chart in response to the Supreme Court opinions on the OSHA ETS and CMS IFR, The revisions reflect the Supreme Court's stay of the OSHA ETS, thus removing it from the chart. 

NYS DOH Isolation and Quarantine Guidance and Tables
The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) published Updated Isolation and Quarantine Guidance. The update reflects the most recent CDC recommendations on quarantine and isolation, including the reduced 5-day duration. Please note that the guidance specifically addresses OPWDD congregate settings towards the end of the document. Chapters should review the guidance closely, as this is the guiding document if your local health department (LHD) issues an order of quarantine or isolation. 

To assist with understanding of the conditions that determine the duration of isolation and quarantine, the NYS DOH also published a table that clearly summarizes the more detailed guidance. 

This and all related updates will be cataloged on The Arc New York COVID-19 Resource Page for future reference. Please contact us if you have questions regarding any of this information.
CONTACT: Josh Christiana, Director for Quality, Compliance & Chapter Relations
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