NYC EP Alert 10.10.24 | Urgent HERDS Survey and DAL: Solutions Shortages
HERDS Survey: Urgent
***Please respond to this HERDS Survey by noon on Friday, October 10, 2024 ***
Your response is imperative and will drive the cadence of this survey’s frequency. If you do not use the involved products, the survey will take less than two minutes to complete.
This is an emergency situation and the Department will be following up with agencies that don’t respond!
The Department of Health (DOH/the Department) is in emergency response mode regarding the supply chain disruption for Baxter intravenous (IV) and peritoneal solutions as a result of Hurricane Helene. DOH has been in contact with HCP daily in its efforts to stay current on the supply challenges.
DOH is now seeking further situational awareness from the long-term care provider sector, including Licensed Home Care Services Agencies (LHCSA) and Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHA).
Please complete the 2024 IV and Dialysis Fluid survey by 12:00pm on Friday, October 11, 2024, to help the Department assess the situation.
Technical issues and/or questions about the content of the survey can be directed to the Department via email.
Conservation DAL
On October 9, 2024, the Department of Health (DOH/the Department) issued Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) HCBS 24-05 which covers conservation strategies following the closure of the Baxter plant due to Hurricane Helene. Here’s the link: https://www.nyshcp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DAL_NH_HCBS-Baxter_Temp_Closure-10.9.24.pdf
In the DAL, the Department urges all NYS health care providers to adopt proactive strategies to conserve IV fluids, materials, and end stage renal disease supplies and to ensure that all inventory is used effectively and efficiently.
The strategies outlined in the DAL are not all-inclusive. Providers can use these strategies to maintain high levels of care in the midst of supply uncertainties.
In short, providers are instructed to immediately begin monitoring inventory and usage of these products. Maximize utilization based on expiration dates and collect data on cases where IV fluids must be withheld. Use alternate administration routes if clinically appropriate whenever possible.
HCP Support
HCP heard from DOH officials today who indicated that the solutions most affected by the disruption are dextrose and saline formulations in 500mL and 1000mL sizes. Mini-bag supplies seem to be ample at this time, but the Department is monitoring the situation extremely closely.
Submit questions regarding the DAL conservation tips to the Department via email.
The recent emergency events serve as a reminder to all providers to be certain that all contact information in the Health Commerce System is updated! This is especially important for the 24/7 contacts for your organization.