COVID-19 Update #284
Deadline to Register for ImmuNet: July 15, 2021

As you know, the most recent Maryland Department of Health (MDH) amended nursing home matters order requires that all skilled nursing facilities register in ImmuNet as a COVID-19 provider by July 15, 2021. It is required that you register ASAP and before the July 15 deadline even if your center plans to use your pharmacy partners to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
All Skilled Nursing Facilities Must:
  1. Register in ImmuNet ImmuNet Enrollment form
  2. Apply for a COVID PIN Reference Guide
  3. Report to ImmuNet through EHR or PrepMod 

Important Notes:

  • If a facility does not plan on receiving COVID vaccines directly (i.e. facility has a pharmacy that will be giving the vaccines) then the facility must still complete step #2.

  • If the facility does not have a dedicated refrigerator that meets CDC guidelines, any qualifying refrigerator in the facility can be used to complete the ImmuNet profile (i.e. employee refrigerator).

  • If at any time the facility's plan changes and they want to receive vaccines directly, then the facility must have a dedicated vaccine refrigerator that meets CDC guidelines. 

  • Reporting immunization can be completed by the facility or the pharmacy. 

  • If a facility has an EHR that does not report to Immunet, it is recommended that the facility use Prepmod.

PrepMod Training is Available!

Personal Protective Equipment Distribution

In response to the COVID pandemic, the State of Maryland Department of Health acquired and distributed personal protective equipment (PPE) to health care providers. At this time they still have large quantities of PPE available. The three Associations in Maryland have been asked to assist in distributing this remaining PPE stock. Over the next few weeks, the remaining PPE will be delivered to the LifeSpan office in Columbia, and will be available for pickup by those placing an order. Because of the quantities available, space needed, and staffing limitations we will be receiving and distributing this PPE in phases.

The first shipment will include: Gloves (Small, Medium, and Large); gowns; N95 and KN95 masks; face shields; and goggles.

We are working on logistics of this major undertaking and will keep you informed about availability and pick-up dates and time. Please understand that we may not be able to fulfill every request with our first shipment, but will work to fulfill requests in future shipments.
 
If you have already sent an email to Patty DeGrasse at HFAM with your supply order request, you do not need to send another email. Anyone wishing to place an order may do so by emailing pdegrasse@hfam.org with needed items, quantity, and contact information for the individual who will be picking up the supply for your center.

As soon as our shipment is received and pick-up dates scheduled, you will receive an email confirming your order and instructions for pickup at the LifeSpan office in Columbia. 
OSHA Extends Comment Period for COVID-19 ETS

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has extended​ the comment period for the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to August 20, 2021. This new date allows stakeholders additional time to review the ETS and collect information and data necessary for comment. AHCA/NCAL previously sent a letter to OSHA requesting the comment period be extended on the ETS through August 20 to provide adequate feedback.

CMS Updates Medicare Accelerated and Advance (A&A) Repayment FAQs

Last week, CMS released minor updates to is Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment FAQs. The FAQs offer links to Code of Federal Regulation cites describing CMS’ authority and limitations with repayment. New FAQs describe MAC action and options if a provider still owes money after the statutory repayment window, and additional details on how to request an Extended Repayment Schedule (ERS). Of note the ERS steps do not differ from those previously described in the Medicare Financial Management manual. AHCA/NCAL has provided information on how to request an ERS.
Upcoming Live Webinar!
Winning Keys: Outreach, Marketing, & Engagement
July 27, 2021 from 11:30 - 1:00 PM
The cloud of the COVID-19 pandemic has harmed the reputation of nursing homes, as sales and marketing professionals, we need to know how to work together towards a successful future. This presentation will break down the problems currently facing the industry, and how to navigate them to arrive at a solid solution. Presenters will explain the ‘New Normal’ post-COVID-19 and ways to meet the needs of your referral sources, clients, and their families during this time. It is through outreach and engagement that marketing and outreach teams can return trust to your business.

Agenda Topics:
The New Normal
Business Development in New Economy
Business Development Training
Tools to Support You

Presenters:
Joseph DeMattos, HFAM
Diane Devaney, Devaney & Associates
John Dinkel, Dinkel Business Development, LLC

CE: 1.5 NAB credit for LNHAs
Cost: $55 Per Registrant

Can't make the live session?
Register and receive access to the recording.
No CEs offered for the recording.
Project Firstline

We are partnering with the Maryland Department of Health and Health Quality Innovators (HQI) to let you know about a new free infection prevention learning initiative from the CDC called Project Firstline. Project Firstline aims to spread infection control learning opportunities to front line workers in the healthcare field, even those without a clinical background.
 
Project Firstline’s CDC-developed training and engagement opportunities include short, accessible training videos, virtual interactive events, and telementoring to ensure every worker in every healthcare setting is empowered with the science and reasoning behind essential infection control practices, and can confidently apply those practices to protect themselves, their facility, their family, and their community.
 
Please forward the Learning Needs Assessment survey link below to any employees who might benefit from infection prevention education. Responses may be anonymous and will help direct learning resources to those who can help stop the spread of infectious diseases.
 
Project Firstline Learning Needs Assessment Link: https://redcap.link/lqu3olbl
 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Lynne Layug (llayug@hqi.solutions) at HQI.
REMINDER: PRF Reporting Portal Now Open

The Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Portal is now open for providers to report fund use for April 10, 2020 through June 30, 2020. Providers who received one or more PRF payments exceeding $10,000, in the aggregate, during this time have until September 30, 2021 to submit the initial report.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) – released updated PRF reporting requirements. The updates provided more reporting time, reducing burdens on smaller providers and extending key deadlines for expending PRF payments received after June 30, 2020.

HRSA has released several new resources to support efforts as you begin the reporting process, including a Data Entry Workbook, Reporting-specific FAQs, and Submitting Reporting Information user guide. Additionally, HRSA will host a recorded webcast on Thursday, July 8 at 3 PM Eastern to provide technical assistance on reporting requirements for PRF recipients and stakeholders. Be sure to register.

You are encouraged to register in the reporting portal in advance of your relevant Reporting Time Period dates; registration is required before reporting. This takes approximately 20 minutes and must be completed in one session. HRSA has developed a Registration User Guide to assist.

As a reminder, the reporting timelines are as follows:
The HRSA Provider Support Line is available at (866) 569-3522 (TTY dial 711) for questions. Hours of operation are 8 AM to 10 PM Central, Monday through Friday. Additional updates and resources from AHCA/NCAL will be shared as they become available.
Nursing Home Media Toolkit

Check out the new Nursing Home Media Toolkit from the Maryland Department of Health. The password to access the materials is Vaccine2021.

Please use the materials in this media toolkit to spread the word about vaccination with staff.

You'll find flyers, ads, social media posts, videos, and posters. 
The 2021 HFAM Conference “Together We Re-Imagine” will be held in person October 4 – 7, 2021 at the Maryland Live Hotel and Casino in Hanover, Maryland. Hundreds of long-term care leaders will connect, share best practices and discuss actionable insights on how we can reflect, reform, rebuild, and revolutionize quality care. You and your teams will not want to miss this opportunity as we come together again.

Visit the conference website to learn more and register.
Thank you to our current sponsors!
Plus, Visit our Sponsors and Supporters in the
Brand New "Solutions Lounge"
#Get Vaccinated
With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the AHCA/NCAL Get Vaccinated campaign now has a dedicated website –getvaccinated.us – to help educate and encourage caregivers and staff at long-term care facilities to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The website includes credible information from medical professionals, public health officials, and scientists to help answer common questions about the vaccines among staff members and other individuals.
Did you miss an update?

Visit our website to view all previous HFAM alerts, as well as guidance
from our federal and state partners.
Health Facilities Association of Maryland WW.HFAM.ORG