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News related to "covid-19"
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CMS to Increase Survey & Enforcement Activity Related to Infection Control
On June 3, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced this week (QSO-20-31-All) that it will expand survey activity and increase enforcement remedies relating to nursing home infection control requirements, effective immediately. Several story lines arise from this memo.
Salon and Outdoor Visit Update
On June 2, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The pressure is building for nursing homes and assisted living to be able to provide salon services in thier settings and host outdoor visits with residents and families.
Provider Relief Funds: Submit Info Today (June 3)
On June 2, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
If you want to be considered for future Provider Relief Fund payments from HHS you need to register and submit information by the end of today (June 3).
CMS Offers Weekly COVID-19 Learning Opportunities
On May 26, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosts several recurring stakeholder engagement sessions to share information related to COVID-19. These sessions are open to members of the healthcare community and are intended to provide updates, share best practices among peers, and offer attendees an opportunity to ask questions of CMS and other subject matter experts. Here are call details for opportunities this week:
Update: OSHA Issued New Interim Enforcement Response Plan and Guidance for COVID-19
On May 26, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recently issued an updated interim enforcement response plan for dealing with workplace investigations during COVID-19. In addition, OSHA released revised enforcement guidance for recording cases of COVID-19. These two requirements went into effect on May 26 and replace the previous interim enforcement response plan and recordkeeping guidance, respectively, on that date. Finally, OSHA also released an alert on COVID-19 Guidance for Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Workers.
Providers Call for More COVID-19 Relief Federal Funding for Assisted Living
On May 26, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
As the federal government continues to provide funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, senior living providers continue to express concerns that the support leaves assisted living, memory care and independent living behind.
DHS Posts Form to Request Waiver of SNSA Maximum Charges
On May 26, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
There is a new process for waiving maximum charge limits for Supplemental Nursing Service Agencies (SNSAs) when they are providing staff to work in Medicaid-certified nursing facilities that serve residents with COVID-19.
CMS Waivers Include Nursing Home Life Safety Provisions; New FAQ Available
On May 26, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The most-recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) update to COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers (see pp. 25-27) includes waivers of a few life safety code provisions that may reduce disruption of patient care and potential exposure/transmission of COVID-19. In all cases, it will be important to consider these waivers in the context of your existing life safety policies, procedures and plans.
MDH Announces Nearly $100 Million in Emergency Response Funding
On May 26, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) posted a list of awards of emergency response grant recipients who received almost $100 million in state funds to prepare for and respond to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Resource Round-Up: Testing; New COVID-19 Case Management Model
On May 26, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
This week’s COVID-19 Resource Round-Up features a new training video on specimen collection, an updated FAQ on testing and a link to the new process MDH is using for COVID-19 case management.
New COVID-19 Resources
On May 19, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
In this week’s COVID-19 Resource Round-Up, we share new materials on guidance on compassionate care visits, resident transfers, recommendations for admissions, and employment law FAQS related to PPE and workplace accommodations.
Protecting Mental Health & Wellbeing During COVID-19
On May 19, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The impact of the coronavirus goes beyond physical health. The mental health and wellbeing of residents, clients, leadership, and staff are also at risk. We are sharing free, on-demand, short-form learning opportunities to help you address these aspects of this pandemic.
New CMS Toolkit Helps Advance Telehealth
On May 19, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
In response to the COVID-19, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expanded access to telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries and nursing home residents. A new toolkit from CMS can help states identify which aspects of their statutory and regulatory infrastructure may impede the rapid deployment of telehealth capabilities in their Medicaid program.
DHS Releases Bulletin on Add-On Payments for Customized Living
On May 19, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) this week released a bulletin that describes the process for providing add-on payments to customized living providers who have confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving residents or staff.
Resource Roundup: Sample Checklist and Policies
On May 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
This week’s Resource Round-Up is all about sample policies and survey checklists.
Now Available: COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfecting Webinar Recording & Handouts
On May 12, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
As reported last week, HUD and the CDC delivered presentations on their interim guidance on facility cleaning and disinfecting for COVID-19. The recorded webinar and handouts, which are helpful to any housing setting and staff, is now available.
President Trump Calls for Testing of All Nursing Home Residents and Staff
On May 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
President Trump yesterday called upon states to universally test all nursing home residents and staff within the next two weeks. The announcement, however, did not provide details or support for how states would complete this widespread testing.
Rate Increase for Elderly Waiver
On May 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced the imminent launch of a new program to pay enhanced rates to Customized Living providers who have a confirmed case of COVID-19 (residents or staff) in their setting.
Walz Announces 5-Point Battle Plan
On May 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Governor Walz last week announced a 5-Point Battle Plan to Protect the Most Vulnerable, which is targeted at seniors and their caregivers in nursing homes and assisted living.
Alzheimer’s Association Offers Project ECHO Series on Emergency Preparedness
On May 12, 2020 by Lori Meyer
In response to COVID-19, the Alzheimer’s Association has developed a special topic Project ECHO series based on their guidance Emergency Preparedness: Caring for persons living with dementia in a long-term or community-based care setting.