• OPWDD will be initiating visits (virtual and limited in-person) to voluntary provider operated settings related to Covid-19 by utilizing Division of Quality Improvement (DQI) staff. According to OPWDD, these are intended to be constructive and not disciplinary in nature, focus largely on frontline staff utilizing appropriate protocols for infection control, health status monitoring, and accessing/utilizing appropriate supplies/materials.

• NY Alliance and other provider associations have expressed significant concerns with in-person DQI staff visits as an unnecessary risk of infection with the hope that OPWDD will consider utilizing only virtual visits.  

• Additional guidance continues to be issued by the Small Business Administration regarding the parameters of the PPP loan program. On May 3rd, the guidelines were adjusted again and an updated FAQ document was issued which can be found here.

• Of particular interest are the following two questions and answers:
• Q: What if I offer to rehire an employee but they don’t want to come back or want to come back at reduced hours?
• A: Treasury has indicated that if an employer can prove that, in good faith, they provided a written offer to rehire and the employee rejected that offer, the employer will not be subject to a reduction in loan forgiveness related to that specific employee.  The employer must obtain written documentation that the employee rejected the offer.
• Q: Employees have rejected my offer to return to work because it is more beneficial for them to collect unemployment - what should I do?
• A: Employees should be made aware that if they receive an offer to be rehired and do not accept that offer, their unemployment compensation eligibility could be forfeited.

• If agencies are in need of additional face shields as PPE, the ARC of Oneida-Lewis, a New York Alliance member, is offering face shields with the following pricing: