NYC EP Alert 10.16.24 | NEW Urgent HERDS Survey
HERDS Survey: Urgent
***Please respond to this new HERDS Survey by 3:00pm on Thursday, October 17, 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 only take a few minutes to complete. Access the survey via the Health Commerce System (HCS).
The survey has been modified slightly from the previous version because of provider feedback to the Department of Health (DOH / the Department).
This is an emergency situation and the Department will be following up with agencies that don’t respond!
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 frequent contact with HCP in its efforts to stay current on the supply challenges.
DOH is now seeking additional 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 3:00pm on Thursday, October 17, 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, DOH issued Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) HCBS 24-05 which covers conservation strategies following the closure of the Baxter plant due to Hurricane Helene.
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 amid 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
For updates and more information, Baxter, the US Food and Drug Administration, and the US Department of Health and Human Services have posted web pages providing updates and guidance.
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.