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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced her intention to expand the mandate of immunization of health care workers to include employees who work in certain establishments providing health care to those served by the Office of Mental Health and the Office. people with intellectual disabilities. Under the new directive, staff who work in facilities that treat some of New Yorkers most vulnerable will be required to show proof of at least the first injection of a series of COVID-19 vaccines by November 1. , without test option. Before this requirement, the staff of these establishments will have to undergo weekly tests, if not vaccinated, from October 12.
“Vaccine requirements get people to do the right thing, and all professionals in healthcare settings should take all basic COVID-19 precautions, including the vaccine, so they don’t not spread the virus to people who come for treatment. ” Governor Hochul said. “We have an obligation to extend this insurance to those who need to receive mental health services and special care, which is why we are making the vaccine compulsory for all staff who work in these establishments which fall under the state jurisdiction. ”
The vaccine requirement that went into effect on September 27 only applied to covered staff in facilities regulated by the Department of Health, including all hospitals and nursing homes. On October 7, the vaccine requirement will go into effect for covered staff in other facilities regulated by the Department of Health, including adult care facilities, home health agencies, home care programs. long-term home, home care programs for AIDS, palliative care and diagnostic services and treatment centers.
This new requirement, established in the regulations of the OMH and OPWDD agencies, will apply to all persons working in psychiatric hospitals of the OMH network, as well as to those working in the specialized hospital certified by the OPWDD.
Governor Hochul plans to continue expanding vaccine needs to social services and mental health care facilities in the coming weeks, while taking the necessary steps to ensure that staffing levels continue to be appropriate in these. service systems.
OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said: “Many of the people OMH serves have underlying health issues that make them much more vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus. The vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective and will protect our patients and employees as well as our families and communities. everyone to get vaccinated and I applaud Governor Hochul for extending the term. “
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