HCS Security Update: Action Required by April 30, 2026

To enhance security on the Health Commerce System (HCS), all users must have a populated and verified “Security Email Address” to access the system’s Self Password Reset and Forgotten User ID functions, effective April 30, 2026.

Heat-related Illness

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released 2026 Health Advisory #6 today, April 7, to remind health care providers about the threat of heat-related illnesses and death as we move into the spring and summer months. The information and resources are valuable for providers throughout the state.

Major Winter Storm Event

The Department of Health (DOH / the Department) has issued a Major Winter Storm Alert for February 22-23, 2026. A significant winter storm is forecast to impact the Capital District and Metropolitan Area Regions beginning Sunday, February 22, 2026, and continuing into Monday. Snowfall totals exceeding 12 inches are expected in several regions. Blizzard Warnings have been issued for New York City and Long Island, with Winter Storm Warnings and Watches in effect for the Lower Hudson Valley.

North Country Severe Winter Weather

The Department of Health (DOH/the Department is warning home care and other health care providers to be prepared for severe weather Friday, February 20,2026 into the morning of Saturday, February 21. Heavy snow and up to ¼ inch of ice is possible.

Extreme Cold

On February 4, 2026, the acting New York City Commissioner of Health issued 2026 Health Alert #3: Protect People at Risk of Cold-Related Death During Prolonged Cold Temperatures.

Widespread Severe Winter Weather

Governor Hochul is urging New Yorkers to prepare for extreme winter weather in the coming days. Conditions will vary widely by region, but nearly every corner of the state will feel some effects of the approaching system.

N95 Masks Needs Assessment

HCP and our colleagues at other home and community-based associations are working with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response (OEPR) to develop an N95 Fit Testing Train-the-Trainer session this spring.

Flu Declared Prevalent in NYS

On December 2, 2025, more than two weeks earlier than last year, the Department of Health (DOH/the Department) issued a Health Advisory declaring influenza as prevalent in New York.

Transportation Assistance Levels Updated DAL
Today, September 26, 2025, the Department of Health (DOH/the Department) issued a Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) outlining revisions to Transportation Assistance Levels (TAL) used by the home and community-based sector. DHCBS DAL 25-11 and its attachments serve to reinforce that the previously circulated detailed TALs (with subcategories) must be included in an agency’s written emergency management plan. The TAL sub-category must also be on the patient roster.

COVID-19 Vaccines in NYS
Late Friday, September 5, 2025, the NYS Department of Health (DOH/the Department) and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) released several documents with detailed recommendations for clinicians surrounding COVID-19 vaccines. The guidance followed Executive Order (EO) #52 issued last week by Governor Hochul, who acted to ensure New Yorkers had access to the vaccines regardless of federal recommendations, restrictions, or delays.