Cuomo Testifies Before Congress on COVID Nursing Home Policies

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo testified before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at a September 10 hearing focused on his administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on nursing home residents. The Subcommittee has been engaged in an extensive and ongoing investigation regarding the Cuomo Administration's March 2020 directive requiring nursing homes to admit COVID-infected patients.

Further, a report issued by the Subcommittee's Republican members on September 9 presented interim findings that Cuomo and his top aides influenced the conclusions of a report from the State Health Department in an effort to deflect blame for deaths in nursing homes. Subcommittee Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) was clear that the Subcommittee intends to continue its investigation.

In his opening statement, Wenstrup announced the issuance of a subpoena to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, claiming documents pertaining to Cuomo's March 2020 directive are still be withheld. In another notable moment during the hearing, Ranking Member Raul Ruiz (D-CA) announced legislation to strengthen infection control and prevention efforts in nursing homes across the nation.

According to Ruiz's announcement, the "SAFER Nursing Homes Act" would make new, robust investments in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) Survey and Certification efforts while making necessary reforms to ensure that comprehensive, sustained funding continues to be available for these oversight activities.

LeadingAge staff will assess Ruiz's bill and will continue to monitor the Subcommittee's activities as well as any other legislation its members introduce.