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News related to "covid-19"
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Vaccination Rates Increasing as Care Center Mandate Approaches
On October 7, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The most recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) update on long-term care vaccination shows that staff vaccination rates have increased in the last couple of months as the mandate for vaccination of care center staff draws closer.
Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Application Portal Open
On September 30, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Earlier this week, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) opened the application portal for the latest Provider Relief Funds (PRF) round. In this round, $25.5 billion in funding is available for health care providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Outbreak Testing: Who to Test and What are the Parameters?
On September 30, 2021 by Kari Everson
Top of mind for many members is the CDC guidance regarding testing during an outbreak. When a new facility onset case of COVID-19 is found in a staff member or resident, the organization must proceed with outbreak testing. So how do we know who to test and what are the testing parameters? The information below may give you the answers you need.
State Medical Director Updates Testing Orders, Allows Broader Use of Antigen Testing
On September 30, 2021 by Kari Everson
Recently, Minnesota's state medical director eliminated a significant barrier to using antigen testing in assisted living settings.
Payment Committee Hosting Special Meeting on Care Center Rates
On September 30, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The LeadingAge Minnesota Payment Committee is holding a special meeting next Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 10 a.m. to discuss the status of care center Medicaid rates for 2022 in light of recent information from DHS on their plans to implement cost offsets due to federal aid received by providers.
HUD Announces Fourth Round of COVID-19 Supplemental Payments
On September 23, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
On Sept. 16, HUD announced the fourth round of COVID-19 Supplemental Payments (CSPs) for Multifamily housing providers. The funds are available to help Section 8, Section 202, and Section 811 properties prepare for and respond to COVID-19. Requests are due to the agency by Nov. 19 and can cover expenses incurred between April 1 and Oct. 31.
Respiratory Protection Program Requirements
On September 23, 2021 by Kari Everson
As COVID-19 crashed into our lives, so did the awareness of and need for respiratory protection programs in long-term care settings. Respiratory protection programs are designed to ensure all employees are protected from respiratory hazards, such as the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen.
Vaccination Rates Now Available on Care Compare
On September 23, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Earlier this week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that staff and resident vaccination rates for all care centers have been posted on the Care Compare website.
Resilience Tips: Being Confident Through Stress
On September 15, 2021 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology
Since the COVID era began, we've been witnessing and talking about the traumatic effects of the virus and how to cope as best we can. These things are real and can range from mental distress to physical exhaustion— and can include significant grief and worry.
CMS Updates Nursing Home Testing Guidance
On September 15, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
On Sept. 10, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updated QSO-20-38-NH concerning nursing home testing to align with recently updated recommendations from the CDC.
Federal Government Releases Additional Provider Relief Funds (PRF)
On September 15, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Last week the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced that it is making $25.5 billion in new funding available for health care providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many Questions Remain about CMS and OSHA Vaccine Mandates
On September 15, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
As part of a broad COVID-19 Action Plan released late last week, President Biden announced new vaccine mandates for workers across the country. The plan addresses several topics relevant to aging services, including preparation for the delivery of booster shots if approved and recommended by the FDA and CDC, and efforts to build the supply of rapid COVID tests, but the most prominent aspects of the White House plan relate to mandates.
COVID-19 Screening in Assisted Living
On September 8, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) clarified their interpretation of COVID-19 prevention and infection control in assisted living licensed facilities. Screening of residents by staff is required for each resident who is receiving assisted living services. Residents who are only receiving housing and supportive services may screen themselves and report results to staff.
Aug. 30 Marks Expiration of Many MDH COVID Waivers
On September 1, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
When Minnesota's Peacetime Emergency ended on July 1, it started a sixty-day countdown to the expiration of most Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) COVID-19 waivers or modifications of state laws or regulations.
MDH Seeks Feedback to Inform Booster Planning
On September 1, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is actively developing a plan for booster vaccinations in long-term care settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims to launch boosters the week of Sept. 20, and MDH wants to be sure this next phase in the vaccination process rolls out as quickly and smoothly as possible.
LeadingAge and Argentum Urge OSHA Not to Make COVID Standards Permanent
On August 25, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
In public comments filed this week, both LeadingAge and Argentum urged the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) not to make the agency's Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for COVID-19 a permanent part of the regulatory landscape. The ETS is only effective for six months from its publication date of June 21 unless OSHA acts to make it permanent.
DHS Planning to Conduct Quality of Life Surveys this Fall
On August 25, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
After canceling them in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Department of Health (DHS) intends to conduct in-person resident quality of life surveys this fall in addition to mailed surveys to family members. For the first time, these surveys will include both care centers and licensed assisted living settings. As in past years, DHS has contracted with Vital Research to conduct these surveys, and they will contact administrators early this fall to set up the survey process. DHS is planning to send an informational letter to assisted living facilities about the new survey in advance of contact from Vital Research.
What to Do When You Have a COVID-19 Outbreak
On August 25, 2021 by Kari Everson
In the last several weeks, the number of COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes and assisted living settings have increased. Because there was an extended time when outbreaks were low, we have received many questions about handling them, specifically visitation and testing.
Staff Vaccination Rates Reach 66% in AL and SNF Settings Across the State
On August 25, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The most recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) update on long-term care vaccination shows slow progress continuing for staff rates, while resident rates remain outstanding.
CMS Vaccine Mandate: Knowns, Unknowns and Next Steps
On August 25, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
Since President Biden announced last week that CMS will develop regulations requiring all nursing homes to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for their staff, LeadingAge Minnesota has been working closely with our national affiliate LeadingAge to seek additional information, better understand the directive, and advocate on behalf of our members.