Coronavirus Update #194
CMS Announcements, Changes to Post-Acute Capacity Form, MDH Webinar Recap, Upcoming PASSR Webinar, Updated NHSN Reporting Requirements, Other COVID Updates, Upcoming Webinars
Important Announcements from CMS 

On a call yesterday, CMS Administrator Seema Verma made two key announcements: 

1. CMS or state surveyors will be calling nursing homes who report new cases of COVID and/or report shortages of PPE and/or staffing to offer assistance.

They will ask several questions to see how they can help the facility acquire resources such as staffing, PPE or testing supplies. AHCA/NCAL has heard that these questions may be similar to: 

  • Do you have enough PPE in the facility for one week? 
  • Do you have enough staff in the facility to care for residents in proper cohort sections? 
  • What percentage of your staff completed the CMS/CDC training online? 
  • What is the frequency of resident/staff testing currently? 
  • How did your outbreak occur (staff, residents, visitor, vendor, other)? 
  • What is the availability of test kits? For all residents/all staff? How long will they last? 

2. CMS will be publishing a list of facilities who have completed the CMS 3 to 4 hour QIO trainings.
Changes to the Post-Acute Capacity Form

Effective Tuesday, November 17, 2020, there will be changes and additions to the daily report reflecting the new PPE stockpiling requirements as well as other changes the Maryland Department of Health requested.
 
Those changes are highlighted in this document. Please ensure that whoever is gathering and entering the data at your organization is made aware of these changes.
 
Should you have any questions, or require additional information, please feel free to contact Bill Hokemeyer at 410.596.8205 or William.Hokemeyer@crisphealth.org.  
MDH Webinar Recap

Yesterday, 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 Updates
  • Maryland Updates
  • FAQs
  • TAT Updates
  • 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.
Upcoming Webinar: Maryland Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) for Individuals with Mental Illness 

Date: Friday, November 20, 2020
Time: 10:30 am-12:30 pm

This interactive webinar will focus on the history as well as the current roles, responsibilities and processes of the Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) program in Maryland for Individuals with Mental Illness. Attendees will learn about PASRR Level I and Level II process requirements and review case scenarios to reinforce the information provided. Target audience includes hospital discharge planners, nursing facility social workers, Adult Evaluation and Review Services teams, and anyone else interested in learning more about this federal requirement.


2.0 CEUs available.
Updated HHS NHSN Reporting Requirements

In an updated memo from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the point-of-care testing results are now required as part of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system.

The HHS memo identifies that “CMS-certified long term care facilities shall submit point-of-care COVID-19 testing data, including antigen testing data, to CDC’s NHSN." To report the point-of-care test results to NHSN, facilities will need to upgrade from SAMS Level-1 access to SAMS Level-3 access.
Other COVID-19 Updates

Updated Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Health Care Personnel: The CDC has updated the interim infection prevention and control recommendations for health care personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More

Join the National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network for Best Practices on Coronavirus Control: The new National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network is recruiting nursing homes from across the country to participate in a virtual online peer community for improving COVID-19 infection control and better protecting residents and staff. Read More
Upcoming COVID-19 Webinars

  • Thursday, November 19, 2020
  • 3 PM ET
  • Hosted by BD
  • Register

  • Wednesday, December 2, 2020
  • 3 PM ET
  • Hosted by BD
  • Register
Did you miss HFAM's previous alerts?

Visit our website to view all previous HFAM alerts, as well as guidance
from our federal and state partners.
Thank you.

We cannot thank you enough for the dedication and diligence in doing all that you can for the residents in your communities. HFAM continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic with our state and national partners and will do all we can to support you during this time.