With the continued decline in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths, effective June 1, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) will return to normal operations. This resumption will impact New York City hospitals in the following ways:
Beginning June 1, hospitals:
- No longer need to complete the Hospital Morgue Census Survey
- Should be prepared to implement the standard seven-day hold period for claim only, non-Medical Examiner cases (Medical Examiner cases will continue to be retrieved upon successful reporting and submission of completed paperwork)
- Should be prepared to activate internal surge space or private resources per institutional protocol as needed
If there is an uptick in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations or fatalities, OCME and other agencies and stakeholders will reevaluate operations.
GNYHA will keep members apprised of any additional changes. Please visit the GNYHA Fatality Management Document Portal and Resource Hub and OCME guidance on the transition for more information.