Andrew Cuomo to Testify in House COVID-19 Panel Hearing on Nursing Home Policy

Former New York Governor to Answer Questions on Controversial Nursing Home Policy

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) will testify before the House Oversight Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on September 10. The hearing is focused on the guidance Cuomo issued in the early days of the pandemic, which led to nursing homes and long-term care facilities admitting patients who had tested positive for COVID-19.

The Controversial Policy

Cuomo’s policy, known as the "must admit" order, stated that nursing homes could not turn away patients who tested positive for COVID-19 as long as they were medically stable. The policy was intended to alleviate overburdened hospitals, but critics have pointed to it as a major factor in the high number of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes.

Cuomo’s Testimony

This will be Cuomo’s second appearance before the panel. He previously testified in a closed-door session earlier this year after receiving a subpoena. According to Chair Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), Cuomo was "shockingly callous" when pressed to explain discrepancies in nursing home death counts and repeatedly deflected responsibility for the nursing home directive. Wenstrup also stated that Cuomo showed little remorse for the thousands of lives lost.

Voluntary Testimony

Cuomo’s appearance in the September 10 hearing is voluntary. Wenstrup has expressed hope that Cuomo will "stop dodging accountability and honestly answer the American people" during his testimony.

Defending the Policy

Cuomo’s spokesman, Rich Azzopardi, has defended the policy, citing a study based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data that found New York had a lower nursing home death rate per capita than all but 11 states. Azzopardi also pointed out that over a dozen other states, including some led by Republican governors, followed the same guidance from the CDC and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The Investigation

The House Oversight Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic was established to investigate the Trump administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The subcommittee has focused on the guidance provided to states and the impact of that guidance on nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

Cuomo’s Resignation

Cuomo resigned from office in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations.

Conclusion

Andrew Cuomo’s testimony before the House Oversight Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic will provide an opportunity for him to answer questions about his administration’s policies regarding nursing homes and COVID-19. The controversy surrounding Cuomo’s "must admit" order has led to widespread criticism and allegations of negligence and recklessness. As the subcommittee continues its investigation, Cuomo’s testimony will be closely watched by the public and policymakers alike.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the House Oversight Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic?
A: The subcommittee was established to investigate the Trump administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

Q: What is the focus of the September 10 hearing?
A: The hearing will focus on the guidance Cuomo issued in the early days of the pandemic, which led to nursing homes and long-term care facilities admitting patients who had tested positive for COVID-19.

Q: What is the "must admit" order?
A: The "must admit" order stated that nursing homes could not turn away patients who tested positive for COVID-19 as long as they were medically stable.

Q: Has Cuomo testified before the subcommittee previously?
A: Yes, Cuomo testified in a closed-door session earlier this year after receiving a subpoena.

Q: Is Cuomo’s testimony in the September 10 hearing voluntary?
A: Yes, Cuomo’s appearance in the September 10 hearing is voluntary.