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.

Disaster Relief for CNY and Mohawk Valley
On August 21, 2025, Governor Hochul announced that the US Small Business Administration (SBA) would make low-interest loans available to eligible residents and businesses in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley impacted by the severe weather that occurred on June 22, 2025. SBA loans can be critical for those needing financial support to get on the road to recovery following weather-related disasters and other emergencies.

Legionnaires’ Disease Update
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) continues to investigate a cluster of Legionnaires’ Disease in a Central Harlem neighborhood. Those in ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039 along with bordering communities are advised to take note. As of August 15, 2025, there have been 99 cases confirmed, and 17 patients are currently hospitalized, which is fewer hospitalizations than last week. The outbreak’s death toll has risen to four.

Widespread Heavy Rain and Flooding
HCP joins Governor Hochul in urging New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain and possible flooding today into tomorrow.
The National Weather Service has upgraded the Flash Flood risk to moderate in some counties. Up to a 70% chance of flash flooding is predicted as heavily affected areas could receive five inches of rain. Rainfall rate could exceed two inches per hour in some areas. Subways and basements are especially prone to flood risk.

Air Quality and Heat Alert
New Yorkers are facing a combination of heat and air quality concerns this week, with statewide weather alerts and advisories in effect.

Legionnaires’ Disease in Harlem
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is investigating a small cluster of Legionnaires’ Disease in a Central Harlem neighborhood. Those in ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035 and 10037, along with bordering communities are advised to take note. There have been five cases in this cluster in just a few days, and test results are pending on other suspected cases. No deaths are reported.

Extreme Heat Advisory
Health officials and weather centers are cautioning New Yorkers and health care providers to be aware of the risks and dangers of high temperatures currently being experienced in most areas of the state.

Security Briefing
HCP attended a New York State Health Care Security Briefing today, July 2, 2025, where the Department of Health (DOH/the Department), a representative from the State Police, and other state security officials explained the heightened security risks in the health care sector due to the Israel/Iran conflict.

Cybersecurity Threat
The Department of Health (DOH/the Department) is notifying health care providers about a likely increased risk of cyberattacks and high threat activity against the critical infrastructure of the United States. HCP extends this awareness to our non-provider members as well. In addition to the systems guidance below, DOH suggests organizations tighten physical security against breaches.