OLTL ARL Announcement

This communication contains an important clarification on the reporting of COVID-19 in Personal Care Homes (PCH) and Assisted Living Residences (ALR). On 5/18/2023, the attached communication was sent to our ListServ Subscribers. The information in the 5/18/2023 communication was incomplete.  

In addition to the closure of the CFAST reporting portal on 5/11/2023, COVID-19 was also removed from the list of reportable diseases under PA Code, Title 28 Chapter 27. This means that PCH and ALR providers are no longer required to report COVID-19 cases and/or outbreaks to the Department of Human Services under § 2600.16 and § 2800.16. Voluntary reporting may still completed through PA-NEDSS. 

PCH and ALR providers should contact their county or municipal health department (CMHD) for any local reporting requirements that may still apply. Providers are also encouraged to report new outbreaks to their CMHD. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is expected to release a related update on the PA Health Alert Network (PA-HAN) in the near future. 

As a reminder, assistance is still available from Project Firstline and LTC-RISE. 

Questions about this communication may be directed to ra-pwarlheadquarters@pa.gov.