Earlier this year, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.61 which recognized that dentists are authorized under existing laws to perform Point-of-Care (POC) COVID-19 tests.  The order stipulates that the test must be CLIA-Waived (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) and eligible providers must have received certification and a CLIA waiver from the New York State Department of Health (DOH) POLEP (Physician Office Laboratory Evaluation Program).

Members can find a list of those tests approved by the FDA HERE with the understanding that eligible tests are hard to obtain at this time.  Any test with an authorized setting designation of “W” is a CLIA waived test.

The Governor’s Executive Order also requires that all COVID-19 point-of-care (POC) test results be reported within 24 hours to DOH.

Earlier this year, AAOMS issued some cautionary guidance on COVID-19 testing (HERE) while acknowledging that the science on this is rapidly changing.  The ADA has also issued guidance on the matter (HERE).

If you do want to be certified to administer COVID-19 CLIA-waived POC diagnostic tests, visit the DOH website HERE to find & complete the form.

Vaccinations
According to DOH, dentists will be included as an authorized health provider to administer COVID-19 vaccinations in order to maximize vaccine distribution.  DOH recently issued their initial overview of this vaccination delivery program (HERE).  Providers of all types will need to enroll with the NYSDOH Vaccine Program to be a COVID-19 vaccinator by completing and submitting a COVID-19 Vaccination Provider Agreement and Provider Profile available through the Health Commerce System (HCS).

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