Preparing for the End of the PHE Fact Sheets

As we prepare for the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023, CMS and HHS have released fact sheets to aid in a smooth transition.

The PHE Fact Sheet includes information on

  • COVID-19 vaccines, testing and treatments.
  • Telehealth services.
  • Nurse Aide Training for Nursing Homes.

The LTC Fact Sheet highlights

  • The end of the 3-day prior hospitalization and 60-day wellness period waivers at the end of the PHE.
  • Payment for COVID-19 vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.

The COVID-19 PHE Transition Roadmap outlines flexibilities and processes that will and will not be affected by the end of the PHE.

CMS has agreed to provide additional resources as the end of the PHE nears. Reliant Rehabilitation will continue to keep you updated as new information is released.

 

HRSA Releases Updates Regarding Period 4 Reporting of COVID-19 Funds

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released two important updates: 

·         Reporting Period 4 (RP4): Providers who received one or more PRF (General or Targeted) and/or ARP Rural payments exceeding $10,000, in the aggregate, from July 1 to December 31, 2021, must now report on their use of funds. The PRF Reporting Portal opened for RP4 on January 1, 2023, and will remain open through March 31, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Additional HRSA guidance is available on the PRF Reporting Resources webpage.

·         Phase 4 and ARP Rural Payment Reconsiderations Deadline: Providers who believe their Phase 4 and/or ARP Rural payment was calculated incorrectly have an opportunity to submit a payment reconsideration within 45 days of receiving the notification for their company. For more information, visit the Payment Reconsideration webpage.

A Path Out of the Pandemic

They say change is the only thing that is constant in life. Over the past two and a half years, long-term care has been immersed in this concept. In searching for a path out of the pandemic we find ourselves facing reroutes associated with COVID re-emergence or various other infection-prevention barriers. But we are now better equipped and prepared for these detours and, with the skilled eye of assessment, can equip our residents and staff with the tools and function to emerge stronger and fortified.

Many residents were inadvertently negatively impacted by the preventative measures put into place during the pandemic, others may be experiencing lingering deficits from having contracted COVID. Their current baselines are likely not the same as their pre-pandemic baselines.  Screening processes must take this into account to ensure attainment of the highest practicable level of independence, thereby promoting confidence in a return to normalcy for residents.

Even though most facility-based activities have resumed, and therapy gyms have reopened, some residents are hesitant to participate due to residual fears related to infection. Given the new, enhanced barrier precautions outlined by CMS, some residents may see these precautions and fear a surge is imminent. To offset this, open communication, assurance, and vigilance in infection prevention and control processes is key. Implementing health literacy interventions to convey information to residents in ways they can comprehend will allay concerns, provide reassurance, and instill confidence in their home environment.

As we navigate these paths, we should step into the moments that allow us to pause, celebrating our collective endurance, cultivating new bonds through shared activities, and discovering moments of inspiration. May we prevail in constructing a hope-filled future with the permanent paths to successful outcomes.

Rediscovering Delight in Their Days

According to recent studies, older adults have experienced increased depression, loneliness, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, as well as decreased physical health and overall quality of life as a result of COVID-19 and social isolation. As providers who relate so intimately with this population, we ask ourselves, what can we do now?

Participation in leisure, or the use of free time for enjoyment, has a large impact on the health and well-being of older adults. Research suggests that active engagement in healthy leisure can help to maintain preserved cognition, overall physical functioning, mental health, and quality of life. Now, more than ever, residents need opportunities to engage in meaningful activities that bring purpose and joy to their days. Through active collaboration and creativity from the interdisciplinary team, we can facilitate improved morale, satisfaction, and health for those in our care.  Review the following opportunities to explore ways to keep the resident’s mind, body, and spirit engaged:

  • Identify hobbies that are meaningful to the resident or activities they are willing to explore. Talk to your therapy team about the Resident’s InterestChecklist for collaborative discussion.
  • Request family and friends bring in items, games, or activities that are meaningful to the resident.
  • Use creativity to incorporate resident’s interests into the care plan. Are there activity groups, events, or outings in which the resident could participate? Are there specific roles or responsibilities the resident could “own” (i.e. delivering mail, providing daily announcements, assisting with facility decorations, leading a weekly book club discussion)?
  • Encourage participation in activities of interest during the resident’s downtime. Discuss safety precautions and resident capabilities with your therapy team.
  • Provide opportunities for virtual leisure. Online card games, weekly FaceTime calls with loved ones, online learning platforms, and digital tours through museums and galleries around the world allow for engagement despite physical barriers.
  • Communicate with your resident. Ensure that each resident feels known, heard, and cared for on both the physical and emotional level.

Although we can’t change what COVID -19 has brought to so many of our residents over the past two years, we are able to move forward with a fresh focus on their overall well-being. Through participation in healthy leisure, we can help our residents rediscover delight in their days.

A Moving Experience

October is a month of moving experiences- temporal, seasonal, and physical! It’s the beginning of the last quarter of the calendar year and the beginning of the Medicare fiscal year. It ushers in the holiday excitement with weather changes and spooky decor. Amid all of this, it is Physical Therapy Month, and an excellent opportunity to emphasize encouraging mobility for our residents at every possible opportunity. Almost daily, articles are released citing the benefits of mobility from improving appetite to improving skin integrity to preventing contractures.  With that in mind, there is a steadfast need to maintain and improve mobility with our residents.

Incorporating “moving experiences” into the daily facility routine is multifaceted and can bring holiday cheer while also embedding a culture of mobility and independence. There is no amount of too little movement- if residents are moving, benefits are happening. This may look like a high five in the hallway, door decorating contests, a shoulder shrug or leg kick “dance break” with music over the loudspeaker and referrals to therapy for concerns for safety with mobility.

It’s impossible not to think of the effect COVID-19 has had on industry as we round the second year under a healthcare emergency cloud, but we adapt. Skilled nursing residents and staff are resilient and keep looking forward. With an arsenal of wellness and mobility strategies provided to residents, we shape a holistic, healthy environment in which to thrive.  Remember, Reliant therapists are champions at mobility and are equipped to combat barriers to a quality “moving experience”. Thank you for partnering with Reliant!

A Refresher on Fall Prevention Strategies

As the Delta variant of COVID surges through the country, long-term care facilities are forced to revisit the effects of closure, social distancing, and isolation on residents.  This variant has caused healthcare professionals to reframe thinking from potentially leaving a pandemic behind, to best practice strategies to mitigate an ongoing response pattern. Facility staff should revisit the impact moving in and out of isolation has on residents. Consequently, a refresher on fall prevention strategies is appropriate.

Isolation has detrimental effects including reduced mobility, decreased cognition, increased depression, weight loss, and increased risk for falls. While the list of obstacles at times seems insurmountable, keen interdisciplinary teams can be a shining light to our residents by constantly adapting, advocating, evolving, and simply showing up. Though increased isolation may lead to residents spending more time alone, unsupervised in their rooms, putting them at an increased risk for falls, there are ways to reduce this risk through a proactive, interdisciplinary team approach.

Consider implementation of these simple tips to help mitigate the risk of falls:

  1. Keep frequently used items within reach, especially the call button.
  2. Educate new staff on residents’ preferences and nighttime routines: lights on/off, TV on/off, toileting schedule, bed positioning, etc.  
  3. Make time to reassure residents who are feeling isolated and lonely.  Even 2-3 minutes of non-task-oriented company is beneficial. Set up virtual visits with family and friends. Decreased anxiety and agitation lead to calmer residents, and hopefully, fewer falls.
  4. Place any mobility devices in the best position for self-transfer; remove if unable to self-transfer to avoid fall risks.
  5. Take extra care to reduce clutter and ensure clear pathways in the residents’ rooms. Remove any throw rugs or items that may be blocking pathways.
  6. Ensure exercise programs, including therapy, stretching, and balance activities are available to all residents as appropriate. Improved strength and balance can assist with fall prevention and help lessen injuries should a fall occur.
  7. Identify residents’ interests and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to facilitate creative ways for them to participate in preferred leisure activities.  
  8. Refer to physical therapy for balance strategies, assistive device assessment and training, strengthening, transfer training, gait assessment and training, bed mobility training, education on fall prevention, and floor transfers.
  9. Refer to occupational therapy for strength training, balance training, transfers and bed mobility training, facilitation of self-care independence, adaptive equipment training, education on safety awareness, room modifications, and/or cognitive training.
  10. Refer to speech therapy for expressive and receptive communication skills training and strategies, memory, attention to task, sequencing, and safety awareness training techniques.

Educate staff to watch for signs and/or changes which may reflect an increased risk for falls and proactively adapt environments at every level. With a team approach of collaboration and communication, facilities are well equipped to not only reduce the risk of falls for this vulnerable population, but also to ensure that No Patient is Left Behind.  

The Sweet and Salty of Return to Normalcy

As the public healthcare emergency (PHE) lightens and with vaccines abundant in the U.S., many businesses are feeling a note of normalcy. Nursing homes have been given the green light to reopen, but continue to be a target of investigation, regulatory ribbon, and reduced consumer trust. This paradoxical environment highlights the sweet and salty of long-term care (LTC). Prior to the pandemic, LTC’s focus was enhancing resident’s outcomes, improving quality of care and quality of life, and fostering a home environment worthy of the residents within.  As difficult as it may have been in the moment, we now know it was truly the sweet stuff.

During the height of the PHE, regulation and policy aligned to create a salty recipe for long-term care. Reporting requirements, acquiring PPE, reduced access to care, and navigating surveys overshadowed previous focuses. Through this pandemic, we’ve learned the necessity of the salty. Salt brings balance and accountability, but when added without first testing the effectiveness of current spices, it can quickly ruin a meal. When regulation, reporting, and accountability metrics are balanced in relation to care needs, quality outcomes, and resident satisfaction, a delightful sweet and salty mix, in high demand for any consumer, is created.

As we emerge into this new era, many are fatigued, short staffed, and considering alternatives to long-term care. Let’s partner together to remember the sweet, learn from the salty, and create an enhanced recipe. Embrace each step of reopening with a dash of optimism and a cup of determination. Give a patient a hug, ignite communal dining and activities with fanfare, have a welcome party in the therapy gym, hype the benefits of group therapy, and celebrate family and friend’s visitation! Talk openly about the expectations for infection control, safety measures, and possible temporary isolation needs. This balance will help achieve a transparent trust with our residents, their loved ones, and care partners.

Don’t let the sweet get lost in the salty, share resident and facility successes with Reliant’s Model 103.0 reports. Spotlight Reliant therapists who exhibit clinical excellence by climbing the Clinical Ladder and facility team who SMILE with purpose. Never hesitate to GROW your brand. Our partnership brings the best ingredients to demonstrate your facility’s value, skill, and compassion in the community. Bon Appetit!

Coronavirus Scams, A Year Later…

This time last year, increased reports of scams and phishing attempts referencing COVID-19 captured our attention causing us to be vigilant to protect our businesses and patient information.

Fast forwarding to this year, many states have begun to lift COVID-19 restrictions, but the bad actor’s scams and phishing attempts have not let up. They continue their tactics to entice us through scams and/or phishing attempts.

Many times these attacks appear as innocent emails seeking assistance or providing information regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Bad actors are taking advantage of this crisis to prosper or do damage.  Their criminal actions are becoming increasingly sophisticated and look very official, as if coming from government agencies and health organizations.

Today and always, let us remember, it is critical to continue vigilance with all email correspondence and access to websites, but particularly those referencing COVID-19 updates, maps, donations, notifications etc.

To avoid becoming a victim, follow the guidelines below:

  • Never click on links or open attachments within unexpected emails.
  • If you receive a suspicious email appearing to come from a legitimate organization such as CDC, WHO, FEMA etc., confirm its legitimacy.  Make sure links direct you to the official site by hovering over the link.  Report suspicious email to your company’s Information Security Department.
  • If you visit a website or receive a pop-up window directing you to a phone number for support desk assistance, DO NOT call the number, instead contact your company’s Information Security Department.
  • Never share your password with anyone.

Continued trends noted to date include:

  • Malicious websites – sites referencing coronavirus or COVID-19 in the URL. Thousands of new websites have recently been registered to distribute malware when the user accesses the site.
  • Spam – emails trying to grab your attention to sell information or goods now in high demand such as masks, hand sanitizers, COVID-19 drugs, etc.
  • Phishing – emails posing to be from legitimate organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), etc. These emails contain malicious links, and some are collecting personal information.
  • Fake charities – emails and websites asking for donations for studies, healthcare professionals, victims, or other activities related to COVID-19.
  • Fake internal HR or IT communications such as coronavirus surveys pretending to be from your company’s HR or IT department – these sites are attempting to obtain your User ID and password or other personal information.
  • Fake notification of infection – beware of emails reporting you have been exposed to an infected individual, particularly ones asking for personal information to proceed.

 Always Think Before You Click.

With Them for the Long Haul

According to Harvard Health Blog, recent studies indicate that 50-80% of patients recovered from COVID-19 continue to have at least one adverse symptom three months after the onset, even if the patient no longer tests positive for the virus.  This emerging condition has been described using a variety of terms including: “Post-Covid-19 Syndrome”, “Long COVID”, “Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-COV2 infection (PASC)”, and “Long-Haulers”.  As healthcare providers to the most vulnerable population, it is our duty to monitor the evolving evidence in this area and adapt for timely identification and intervention of needs.  

Though what predisposes an individual to developing “Long COVID” is still unknown, a number of those with even mild symptoms have continued to experience lingering effects. Some of the troublesome symptoms that have been observed with “Long COVID” include many of the same musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, oral/respiratory, neurological, and psychological dysfunctions that are seen with active COVID-19. Furthermore, it has been noted that some individuals recovering from COVID-19 develop new conditions or complications of pre-existing conditions as a result of the illness.

Rehabilitation’s distinct role in COVID recovery and “Long COVID” is clear. Therapy can intervene to assist “Long Hauler” patients by maximizing their participation and performance in daily function with the use of the following:

  • Referral to the IDT when changes in clinical presentation emerge
  • Patient-specific musculoskeletal and neurological re-training
  • Individualized cardiopulmonary programming
  • Dysphagia analysis and treatment
  • Compensatory strategies to assist with cognitive re-training
  • Environmental modifications to facilitate increased participation and decreased risk of injury
  • Trauma-informed approaches to care when addressing the psychological effects of prolonged isolation
  • Patient and caregiver training on adaptive techniques and equipment
  • Patient education to promote health literacy

Reliant is actively engaged with the therapists in the field by developing resources such as Reliant’s Post COVID Clinical Considerations in order to equip the care team to positively impact patients and residents. Evidence continues to emerge, but the tools and knowledge do exist to address the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs that COVID-19 has introduced. Whether newly diagnosed as COVID positive, challenged by long-term effects of “Long COVID”, or facing an entirely new condition as a result of COVID-19, a patient or resident will never feel alone as they can rest assured that we’re with them for the long haul.

References:

Anthony Komaroff, MD. “The Tragedy of Long COVID.” Harvard Health Blog, 1 Mar. 2021, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-tragedy-of-the-post-covid-long-haulers-2020101521173.

AOTA. “Research: Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Provide Significant Rehabilitative Value in Post-Acute Care.” American Occupational Therapy Association, 5 Apr. 2021, www.aota.org/Advocacy-Policy/Federal-Reg-Affairs/Therapy-Outcomes-Post-Acute-Settings.aspx.

Cutter, Matthew. “COVID Long-Haulers: An End in Sight?” ASHAWire, 5 Mar. 2021, leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FTR1.26032021.42/full/.

Royal College of Occupational Therapists. “A Quick Guide for Occupational Therapists: Rehabilitation for People Recovering from COVID-19.” Rcot.co.uk, Apr. 2020, www.rcot.co.uk/files/guidance-quick-guide-occupational-therapists-rehabilitation-people-recovering-covid-19-2020.

WHO. “COVID-19 Clinical Management: Living Guidance.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 25 Jan. 2021, www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-clinical-2021-1.

Roll Up, Reliant!

We all hope to see, sometime in the near future, a resumption of normalcy where we can walk in and out of our facilities without masks and PPE, where we can visit with family members freely and give our elderly loved ones tight hugs and pecks on the cheek.  With the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, this hope is that much closer to becoming a reality.

Even though we have this glimmer of hope with the production of the vaccine, that is only the first step.  It is now a matter of distributing, administering, and educating.  There is fear, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding the vaccine, therefore, educating our healthcare professionals and residents on the safety and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine is paramount.  

Our long-term care residents and healthcare frontline workers are among the first to have the opportunity to be vaccinated. While the latest statistics show a very high participation rate among residents, they also show that a large number of healthcare workers are shying away from rolling up their sleeve.  As healthcare workers, we are some of the most trusted individuals and often provide a sense of comfort to everyone else looking for guidance in such a time of unknown.  Getting vaccinated may not only protect you, but your loved ones, and those at high risk, including our beloved long-term care residents.

Reliant has been proactive in vaccination awareness for our therapists. This includes sharing peer vaccination stories and posting a series of videos by Dr. David Gifford, AHCA/CCAL, addressing important questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.  If you have not had a chance to watch them and want to hear some pressing questions answered, take a few minutes and click on the links below.

 Why Should I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Does the COVID-19 Vaccine Cause Allergic Reactions?

What are the Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine?

​​How Was the COVID-19 Vaccine Developed So Quickly?

Will the COVID-19 Vaccine Cause Infertility​?

Why Should I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine Now When I Can Wait to See What Happens? ​

Get informed and let’s ROLL UP, Reliant!

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

With the increasing availability of COVID-19 vaccinations on the horizon and updated information being released almost daily, organizing the pertinent material into a concise usable format can be daunting. Below are the most up-to-date resources from the CDC, CMS, and FDA regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

CDC Vaccine Resources

CMS Vaccine Resources

FDA Vaccine Resources

Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention

  • Screening of all who enter the facility for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., temperature checks, questions or observations about signs or symptoms), and denial of entry of those with signs or symptoms
  • Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred)
  • Face covering or mask (covering mouth and nose)
  • Social distancing at least six feet between persons
  • Instructional signage throughout the facility and proper visitor education on COVID-19 signs and symptoms, infection control precautions, other applicable facility practices (e.g., use of face covering or mask, specified entries, exits and routes to designated areas, hand hygiene)
  • Cleaning and disinfecting high frequency touched surfaces in the facility often, and designated visitation areas after each visit
  • Appropriate staff use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Effective cohorting of residents (e.g., separate areas dedicated COVID-19 care)
  • Resident and staff testing conducted as required at 42 CFR 483.80(h) (see QSO-20- 38-NH)

Moving Forward: Safe and Successful Reintegration

In September, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released exciting news for the advancement of safe visitation and resumption of group activities and communal dining in nursing homes (see QSO-20-39-NH). As the effects of isolation have taken a tremendous toll on our elderly population, care teams and residents are ready to implement safe steps to social reintegration.  Facilities, including therapy departments, can now offer a variety of group activities while also taking the necessary precautions.

CMS provides Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention which should be incorporated as best practice to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in order to resume visitation and group activities. It is indicated that group activities may be facilitated (for residents who have fully recovered from COVID-19 and for those not in isolation for observation, suspected or confirmed COVID-19 status) with social distancing among residents, appropriate hand hygiene, and use of cloth face coverings or facemasks. CMS’ examples of group activities include book clubs, crafts, movies, exercise and bingo.

As facilities implement these principles and activities, it is important to remember, early in the pandemic, resident-centered care plans were adapted for isolation considerations. These care plans should now be reviewed, especially in the light of infection control prevention, trauma-informed care, cognitive changes and fall prevention. It should not be assumed that residents will function at the same level as they did pre-pandemic; therefore, consider the increased risks associated with the possible secondary effects of the pandemic and isolation precautions:

  • Infection Prevention and Control: Review the resident’s ability to safely wear cloth face coverings and understanding of or cueing needed for social distancing. Identify assistance and reminders needed to perform hand hygiene.
  • Trauma-Informed Care (TIC): Consider whether the resident is suffering from anxiety associated with infection risk or recovery and provide a facility plan for safe reopening. Ensure staff buy-in to the plan and implementation in order to set good examples and provide TIC support. Be sensitive to the effects of a busy, potentially noisy, environment following a period of social isolation.
  • Cognitive changes: As social interaction increases and the physical environment changes, be aware of behavioral responses and signs or symptoms of confusion. Assess behaviors as a form of communicative response to the environment and adapt as appropriate.
  • Fall prevention: Consider that as the resident’s access to the facility and grounds expands, their environment is now exponentially larger. Review their ability to safely ambulate throughout the facility as this may place the resident at increased risk of falls and wayfinding confusion.

Protecting residents from COVID-19 highlights the struggle between keeping residents healthy and providing beneficial, daily experiences that can impact quality of life. Nursing, therapy, and facility staff must work as a team to implement creative means to facilitate safety during group activities and social reintegration to allow our residents to safely flourish in light of the challenges they encounter.

Updated NHSN Pathway Reporting Mandatory for Point of Care Testing in Skilled Nursing Facilities

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are now requiring nursing facilities to utilize the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) as the required reporting pathway for the COVID -19 testing results that nursing facilities are generating from point of care (POC) testing devices which were provided by the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). 

Data collected via NHSN is pushed to the AIMS platform, which is hosted by the Association of Public Health Laboratories, every two hours. The AIMS platform then shares this data with state and local health departments as well as with HHS.

Currently, entry of data into NHSN is manual and entered one patient at a time. The CDC indicated that it plans to make accepting a CSV file, for multiple persons and test results at one time, possible in the future.  

CLICK HERE for more information from HHS on reporting requirements.


Incentive Payments to Nursing Homes Curbing COVID-19

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it will distribute approximately $333 million in first-round performance payments to over 10,000 nursing homes. These nursing homes are being recognized for demonstrating significant reductions in COVID-19 related infections and deaths between August and September.

Nursing Home Performance-Based Results

HHS announced that in the first round of the incentive program, 10,631 of the 13,795 eligible nursing homes met the infection control criteria. Overall, these nursing homes contributed to 5,000 fewer COVID-19 infections in nursing homes in September than there were in August. Against both the infection control and mortality criteria, 10,501 nursing homes qualified for payments and contributed to 1,200 fewer COVID-19 related nursing home deaths between August and September.

Nursing homes will receive September quality incentive payments next week and will have four more opportunities to receive additional incentive payments.

CLICK HERE for a state-by-state breakdown on incentive payments from this first cycle.

CLICK HERE for more information on the Provider Relief Program.

CLICK HERE to read the full press release from HHS.

HHS Provides Update for Provider Relief Fund Reporting Requirements

On Oct. 22, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a memo stating that they are no longer limiting providers’ use of Provider Relief Funds for covering lost revenue due to the coronavirus. HHS announced that it will go back to allowing providers to calculate their lost revenue based on the difference between their 2019 and 2020 actual patient- care revenue, and eliminate limits on how much Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payments can be applied to that lost revenue.

HHS added that the amended reporting instructions should allow providers to fully apply PRF distributions to lost revenues. 

CLICK HERE to read the full memo.

Deadline to Sign Up for Vaccine Program Extended

On Oct. 16, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Defense (DOD) began offering sign-ups for agreements with CVS and Walgreens to provide and administer COVID-19 vaccines to residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF) nationwide with no out-of-pocket costs. LTCF residents are anticipated to be part of the prioritized groups for initial COVID-19 vaccination efforts until there are enough doses available for every American who wishes to be vaccinated.

LTCFs will now have UNTIL NOVEMBER 6 to opt in and indicate which pharmacy partner their facility prefers to have on-site. LTCFs are not mandated to participate in this program and can request to use their current pharmacy contracts to support COVID-19 vaccination.

Nursing homes can sign up via the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and assisted living facilities can sign up via an online survey

The CDC is offering an overview and FAQs, updated as of 10/23/20, to help further explain the program and AHCA/NCAL also are offering an overview.

CMS Updates Methodology for Calculating COVID-19 Testing by Nursing Facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a change in its methodology for calculating county-level community infection rates for COVID-19. Facilities are expected to use the county-level color coded rating (green, yellow, or red) to determine the frequency for testing facility staff and residents in accordance with CMS guidance.

The earlier guidance and methodology required facilities to test staff once monthly if the county in which the facility is located had a positivity rate of less than five percent (< 5%); testing frequency increased to once each week for county positivity rates between five and 10 percent (5 – 10%) and twice weekly for county positivity rates that exceeded 10 percent (>10%). The shift in methodology will mean a change in the color-coding rates. For example, CMS’ new methodology classifies counties with both fewer than 500 tests and fewer than 2,000 tests per 100,000 residents, along with a positivity rate greater than 10 percent over 14 days as “yellow” whereas the earlier methodology would have put these counties in the red zone.

CLICK HERE to read CMS’ press release about the change in methodology.

CLICK HERE for the latest county positivity rates. 

CMS Changes Medicare Payment to Support Faster COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new actions to pay for expedited COVID-19 test results. CMS announced that starting January 1, 2021, Medicare will pay $100 only to laboratories that complete COVID-19 diagnostic tests within two calendar days of the specimen being collected. 

Also, effective January 1, 2021, for laboratories that take longer than two days to complete these tests, Medicare will pay a rate of $75. CMS reports they are working to ensure that patients who test positive for the virus are alerted quickly so they can self-isolate and receive medical treatment.

CLICK HERE to review the full press release from CMS.