Untested State Inspectors Again Attempt To Access VRM
Submitted by the Office of the Legislative Majority
Members of the Rensselaer County Legislatures were shocked to learn that the New York State Health Department has once again sent a team to inspect the Van Rensselaer Manor (VRM) without having proof that the state employees are free of COVID-19. This is the second time that state employees have demanded access to the facility without having proof that they are free of COVID-19 which has rampaged through nursing homes throughout New York State.
“New York State has established very clear guidelines for those working or seeking access to nursing homes. Those rules include providing proof that a person seeking access is free of COVID-19 and has been tested within a defined time frame,” said Chairman Michael Stammel, “Those rules are set by the state and should definitely apply to any state officials or employees seeking to visit or inspect the Van Rensselaer Manor nursing home. State officials themselves have told us the COVID-19 virus does not discriminate and they should heed that advice and follow their own rules.”
The Rensselaer County Legislature vocally opposed state guidelines that required nursing homes to accept patients that were diagnosed with COVID-19. Rensselaer County’s refusal to accept patients with COVID-19 has kept the county run Van Rensselaer Manor relatively free from the virus that has plagued other nursing homes in Rensselaer County and New York State.
“It makes no sense that New York State establishes rules requiring workers and visitors to nursing homes to be tested and COVID-19 free and then does not follow those rules. We all need to work together to keep the residents we care for at the VRM, and our employees there, safe.” added Chair of Finance Robert Loveridge – East Schodack.
“All that we are asking is that they are healthy and free of COVID before entering our facility. I don’t understand why these state inspectors would not sign a statement that they are free of this virus. Why wouldn’t they agree to do that?” added Legislator Tom Grant – East Greenbush who chairs the Social Services Committee that oversees the operation of the Van Rensselaer Manor.