Cape and Islands legislators have received no reply to a request more than three weeks ago for permission to reopen a COVID-19 step-down unit in Falmouth, according to Sen. Julian Cyr's office.
The former Royal Falmouth nursing home served as a step-down unit last spring, allowing COVID-19 patients who no longer needed acute care to be moved out of hospitals.
But to reopen it now, Cape Cod Healthcare needs a state license extension.
Eight legislators signed a Dec. 14 letter to Gov. Charlie Baker and Health and Human Services Secretary MaryLou Sudders.
Cyr’s office tells CAI they have not received any response, even though they have followed up on the request two additional times.
The facility also needs state approval to accept MassHealth payments.
Step-down facilities relieve crowding at hospitals so hospitals can care for critically ill COVID-19 patients and people with other health conditions.
The letter to the Baker administration was signed by Cyr and Sen. Susan Moran, along with Reps. William Crocker, Dylan Fernandes, Randy Hunt, Sarah Peake, David Vieira, and Timothy Whelan.
CAI asked Sudders’ spokeswoman for comment but has not received a reply.
