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News related to "covid-19"
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PHE Ending – What it means for Nursing Homes
On February 23, 2023 by Mark Schulz
Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) held its routine National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call. During this call, CMS staff reiterated several vital facts about the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE).
VRBPAC to Review Covid Vaccine Proposals This Week
On January 26, 2023 by Kari Everson
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tasked its Vaccine and other Related Biologicals Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) to review proposals related to COVID-19 vaccines. Items scheduled for review include changing the primary vaccine doses to the bivalent vaccine and whether the composition and schedule for booster doses should be adjusted.
Public Health Emergency Extended
On January 12, 2023 by Mark Schulz
The Public Health Emergency (PHE), first declared in Jan. 2020 and extended continually for 90-day periods since then, has been extended for another 90 days until April 11.
COVID-19/Flu Tests Coming Soon to SNFs Throughout the State
On December 22, 2022 by Kari Everson
The Minnesota Department of Health is mailing a combination of COVID-19/Flu A&B rapid test kits to all skilled nursing facilities in the state. Kits should be arriving in the next 2-3 weeks.
Summary Resource for Assisted Living and Nursing Home Infection Reporting
On December 22, 2022 by Kari Everson
LeadingAge Minnesota has developed a new resource for members to help clarify the complex and often confusing infectious illness reporting requirements for our nursing home and assisted living members.
CMS Issues New QSO After White House Statement
On December 1, 2022 by Kari Everson
The White House released a statement on Nov. 22 announcing a six-week campaign targeted to increase COVID-19 vaccinations nationwide. Within the message, the Biden-Harris administration has a section specifically focused on nursing homes and our existing requirement to educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccinations and offer vaccination.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Recent COVID-19 Guidance Changes
On November 4, 2022 by Kari Everson
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released several changes to COVID-19 guidance over the past two weeks. Members have several questions about the nursing home vaccine mandate, source control and eye protection use, antigen testing of asymptomatic individuals, and resident screening.
MDH Posts Updated PPE Grid
On November 3, 2022 by Kari Everson
On Nov. 2, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) updated the personal protective equipment (PPE) grid to reflect the guidance updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Employee Retention Credit Potential Funding Option for Providers
On October 27, 2022 by Jeff Bostic
LeadingAge, our national partner, recently released a Frequently Asked Questions document that covers issues around applying for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC).
CMS Releases New QSO on Nursing Home Vaccine Mandate
On October 27, 2022 by Kari Everson
On Oct. 26, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released QSO 23-02-ALL, replacing QSO 22-07-ALL and QSO 22-11-ALL. The new version revises guidance for staff vaccination requirements and includes multiple attachments for each provider type. Nursing homes should continue to refer to Attachment A.
3-Day Hospital Stay Waiver In Effect Through End of Public Health Emergency
On October 13, 2022 by Kari Everson
The policy enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic waiving the requirement for a 3-day prior hospitalization for coverage of a SNF stay remains in effect.
Answers to FAQ on Recent COVID-19 Guidance Changes
On October 13, 2022 by Kari Everson
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released several changes to COVID-19 guidance over the past two weeks. Members have several questions about the nursing home vaccine mandate, source control and eye protection use, antigen testing of asymptomatic individuals, and resident screening.
Resident, Staff, and Visitor COVID-19 Screening
On October 6, 2022 by Kari Everson
On Sept. 23, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updates to multiple COVID-19 infection prevention and control practices. One of the areas that required further clarification was screening practices for residents, staff, and visitors. On yesterday's call, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) clarified these practices for providers.
NHSN to Update Vaccine Parameters for Up-to-Date
On September 28, 2022 by Kari Everson
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated vaccine recommendations and included bivalent vaccines recently made available. They also revised the definition of up-to-date.
Reminder: Keep Transitioning Temporary Nurse Aides Working Under the 1135 Waiver
On September 15, 2022 by Anna Mowry
Nurse aides hired or who worked during the 1135 waiver have until Oct. 6 to be placed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.
MDH Requests a Statewide Waiver to Extend the Temporary Nurse Aide Program
On September 1, 2022 by Anna Mowry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has requested a statewide waiver to extend the temporary nurse aide training program that is currently set to expire on Oct. 6.
New Season, Same Guidance: Refresher on Visitation, Activities, and Group Gatherings Guidance
On August 18, 2022 by Kari Everson
Guidance for activities, visitation, and large group gatherings has not changed significantly. However, as the summer is winding down, long-term care settings that host gatherings are seeking a guidance refresher for these events.
CDC Releases Guidance on Enhanced Barrier Precautions
On July 21, 2022 by Kari Everson
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance on enhanced barrier precautions designed to reduce the transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO). MDRO are pathogens that cause infections and are resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat infections.
Reviewing the COVID-19 Data Tracker
On July 14, 2022 by Kari Everson
Providers across the state must utilize data per regulatory requirements to help determine specific COVID-19 protocols, yet many data sources from different regulators can confuse the process.
COVID-19 Reporting Changes in Effect
On July 14, 2022 by Kari Everson
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires nursing homes to report facility resident and staff COVID-19 case numbers to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control’s (CDC) National Health Safety Network (NHSN) weekly.