COVID-19 Update #294
CDC and FDA Authorize Additional Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine for Immunocompromised Individuals

The FDA has amended the emergency use authorizations for both the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for the use of an additional dose in certain immunocompromised individuals. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices followed the authorization with a recommendation that an additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., Pfizer or Moderna), after an initial two-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series, be considered for people with moderate to severe immune compromise due to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatments.
MDH Webinar Recap

Last week the Maryland Department of Health held a webinar call to update the long-term care sector on COVID-19 developments and best practices. The call was recorded, in case you were unable to join or would like to review the topics discussed, which included:

  • COVID-19 Epi Summary
  • Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
  • Reporting Update
  • MD Guidance Updates
  • Other Updates
  • COVID-19 and Admissions
  • FAQs
  • Q&A

You can also view the webinar's PowerPoint presentation here and the chat box here.

If you have any questions, please email mdh.ipcovid@maryland.gov.
Maryland Department of Health Updates

Quality Assessment FY 2022: Please see the Quality Assessment memorandum and Reporting Forms for FY 2022. 


Please note that the Quality Assessment requirements do not apply to facilities with less than 45 beds or facilities that are classified as continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs).  

Medicare Coinsurance Worksheet: Click here for the Medicare Coinsurance Worksheet for services delivered between 7/1 and 12/31/2021.  
NHSN Seeking COVID-19 Vaccine Supply Information

All National Healthcare Safety Network facility users should have received an email from NHSN detailing the importance of accurate and timely information on COVID-19 Vaccine supply. Read More
Reminder: Rapid Point-Of-Care (POC) Testing Supplies Request

If your center needs to place a request for Rapid Point of Care POC testing supplies, please use this form from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH).

All Rapid POC Testing Supplies Requests are reviewed on a weekly basis. Therefore, we would encourage you to submit this request for Rapid POC Testing Supplies at least two weeks in advance of the date that you will need the supplies in your possession. Submission of a request later than two weeks in advance does not automatically result in your request being denied.

Please note that this is a request, and submission of this request does not guarantee any allocation of Rapid POC Testing Supplies.

If you have questions regarding submission of this request, you can contact mdh.rapidpoctest@maryland.gov.
Upcoming Webinar: Stay Vigilant Against Covid-19. Prepare. Protect. Prevent.

As our country is once again experiencing an increase in coronavirus cases, it is imperative that we rally together to protect our most vulnerable populations. Please join AHCA/NCAL, LeadingAge, Direct Supply, Argentum, ASHA, and other leading industry leaders and professionals to learn more about the state of the virus from world-renowned medical expert and immunologist Dr. Deborah Birx. During this webinar, ​learn about the current state of this deadly virus and the actions that must be taken to fight against highly contagious COVID-19 variants.

What: Stay Vigilant Against COVID-19. Prepare. Protect. Prevent. Webinar
When: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 10 AM EST
RSVP: Deadline Monday, August 16, 2021 at 5 PM EST

To RSVP: Please fill out this form to ensure you are on the attendee list. You must use your work email address and attend the webinar using that same email address. Please note, NO personal emails or phone numbers will be allowed in to the webinar.

You will receive the webinar link on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.​​​
N95 Mask Fit Testing
 
Here is a link to an excellent video on Mask Fit Testing and a step-by-step instruction guide, developed by trained mask fit tester, Sarah Cross, RN IP/IC RN Coordinator, LifeBridge Health. Note: it is highly recommended that you watch the video before trying mask fit testing on your own.
 
As part of a Center’s respiratory protection program anyone needing to be mask fitted, first needs to be determined medically eligible to be fit tested. Use this OSHA3789 form for the medical evaluation.
 
All employees should be test fitted annually, also employees need to be test fitted when the center changes their supply/brand of mask.  
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.

Safety is our top priority. Please note that proof of vaccination will be required for attendance.

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