Health Official Says Twice-weekly Testing Mandate Is “Inappropriate”


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CORNING – Funding and testing frequency remain hot topics as nursing homes work to meet the mandate from Governor Andrew Cuomo requiring nursing homes to test employees twice a week. 

WNYNewsNow took part in a Zoom media call with Congressman Tom Reed and other officials Thursday afternoon. During the call, Cayuga Medical CEO Marty Stallone told us that his initial understanding after receiving state guidance was that the funding would come from insurance claims. Stallone, however, says that’s “under review at this point.”





Stallone also says that there are instances in which there is too much testing being done.

“In some situations, we’re over testing,” Stallone said. “I think most people agree the twice per week testing for nursing home employees is inappropriate. In other situations, testing is needed and it needs to be employed. And if there’s not assured payment for that service, it won’t be delivered.”

Reed says The Governor’s office received an invitation and declined to join the discussion.





















“Our roundtable confirmed the worst; New York’s nursing home guidance can only be described as catastrophically wrong given the clear and overwhelming pushback they’ve received from the medical community. The state has ignored the experts and now left the medical community completely in the dark with its latest testing order. Until the Governor starts collaborating with stakeholders on solutions that can actually work and won’t cripple our health system, this situation will only get worse,” said Reed.

WNYNewsNow will continue to cover the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, putting facts over fear. 

 









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