ALBANY, NY — After a lot of tough talk back in January, Governor Andrew Cuomo has quietly backed off on his threats to punish Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital for administering vaccines to teachers and firefighters without permission.
Asked repeatedly for an update on the Montefiore investigation over the past six months, the health department finally admitted they were all hat and no cattle when it comes to threatened sanctions and fines
“No additional sanctions were issued,” said New York State Department of Health Director of Communications Jill Montag. “In January, DOH removed all vaccine from Montefiore New Rochelle, and they were no longer permitted to vaccinate the public, until the suspension was lifted in mid-April.
“Providers must follow the rules,” trumpeted Cuomo back in January. “You can’t give the vaccine to people who are not eligible for the vaccine,”
Cuomo was explaining his decision to order Montefiore New Rochelle to turn over its supply of then-scarce COVID-19 vaccine.
The New York State Department of Health suspended the hospital from administering vaccinations and announced they were investigating Montefiore:
DOH is investigating this egregious violation of the state’s clearly defined guidelines for the COVID-19 vaccine. As we’ve said repeatedly, current eligibility for the vaccine is limited to health care and hospital workers, seniors living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and people with disabilities living in congregate settings. The facility is facing potential sanctions and penalties for these violations, and its vaccine supply will be reallocated to the County Health Department.
Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital administered the Moderna vaccine to municipal workers and board of education employees before they were eligible. The Superintendent of Schools released a schedule for vaccinating all teachers and staff at Montefiore before the Governor shut it down.
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