Urgent - New Information!
Prevent Potential Penalties - Register for ImmuNet
Once centers are registered, they can receive COVID-19 vaccines directly. It is required that you register ASAP and before the July 15 deadline. With ongoing vaccination efforts and with the most recent nursing home orders, it is more critical than ever that your center register with ImmuNet.
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As a reminder, the Maryland National Guard Tactical Assistance Teams continue to be a resource to our sector, including providing assistance with ImmuNet registration. They have been further divided into teams of two and assigned to 10 (ten) distinct regions in Maryland. Their mission, resource, and duties as our partners will include:
For questions on registration, please email mdh.mdimmunet@maryland.gov. Also, be sure to review the MDH webinar from yesterday for additional information and guidance (information below).
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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
- ImmuNet Updates
- Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
- Respiratory Tract Infection Projects
- Return to Conventional PPE Strategies
- FAQs & Audience Polls
- Q&A
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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.
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:
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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. |
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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.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Lynne Layug (llayug@hqi.solutions) at HQI.
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REMINDER: Comply with OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards by July 6
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) to address exposure to COVID-19 to workers in health care settings. These standards apply to skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled (ID/DD).
Employers must comply with most of these standards by July 6, 2021. There are exceptions to the sections on physical barriers, ventilation, and training, which must comply by July 21, 2021.
In addition, a webinar reviewing the ETS and the implications for AHCA/NCAL members is available.
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Free Counseling, Stress Management and Crisis Support for Long-term Care Staff
Counseling Stress Management and crisis support is available for staff at assisted living facilities, group homes, as well as nursing homes. The Maryland COVID-19 Crisis Support Program offers free, confidential counseling support to ALL employees of Maryland’s long-term health care facilities impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Services are also available in Spanish. Learn more about receiving support services for yourself or your organization. Fill out this form or, for urgent requests, call 1-800-648-3001. For questions, email miemss.crisisresponse@maryland.gov.
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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.
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Thank you to our current sponsors! |
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Plus, Visit our Sponsors and Supporters in the
Brand New "Solutions Lounge"
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Did you miss an update?
Visit our website to view all previous HFAM alerts, as well as guidance
from our federal and state partners.
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