Coronavirus Update #123
Reminders on MDH Guidance, Today's Call Cancelled,
Testing Compliance Due Today,
MDH Webinar Recap
MDH Guidance on Re-Opening

During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, various restrictions have been put into place by Maryland nursing homes to limit the introduction and spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in these settings.   
 
This document outlines the requirements that must be met by Maryland nursing homes to begin relaxing restrictions (sometimes referred to as “reopening”) that have been put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. This document also outlines three progressive phases of relaxation with details about specific restrictions that can be relaxed during each phase and requirements that must be met before moving to the next phase. In addition, this guidance addresses outdoor visitation in nursing homes.

Note: The Maryland Department of Health webinar to further discuss this
guidance that was scheduled for today at 2:00 PM has been CANCELLED .
Reminder: Universal Testing Compliance - DUE TODAY

ACTION REQUIRED ASAP: This  memorandum from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) was issued regarding mandatory COVID-19 Testing Compliance. A Compliance Analyst will be contacting administrators and providing testing results based on queries of the rosters provided by each facility. Additionally, the Compliance Analyst will provide a properly formatted copy of the combined staff and resident rosters your facility provided to MDH. 

Using the testing results provided by the State and any testing results provided to your facility directly from any laboratory, please update your rosters (excel spreadsheet) to produce one roster that includes the most recent test result for each individual on your combined staff and resident roster. 

Once created please use   MDH secure upload  to return your completed rosters and complete the mitigating action questionnaire and attestation.  This is required to be completed by 6pm TODAY to avoid potential penalty. Your Compliance Analyst will be your primary point of contact regarding this notice and you will be contacted soon with additional information. 
MDH Webinar Call 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:

  • Review of current situation of COVID-19
  • Guidance updates
  • Clarification of observation guidance
  • Q&A


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

If you have any questions, please email  mdh.ipcovid@maryland.gov.
FAQ on Managing Admissions and Readmissions for Maryland Nursing Homes

Yesterday, the Maryland Department of Health released this new FAQ on Managing Admissions and Readmissions for Maryland Nursing Homes.

This document is intended to assist nursing homes and local health departments with the interpretation of the requirements for managing new admissions and readmissions for Maryland Nursing Homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on the level of care and services provided in an assisted living facility, this document could also assist assisted living facilities with the management of newly admitted and readmitted residents.
Guidance on Outdoor Visits in Assisted Living

The Maryland Department of Health recently released guidance regarding outdoor visitation in assisted living facilities. Click here to see the AL Guidance.

Please note that a separate document to guide the relaxing of restrictions in Maryland Assisted Living Facilities is forthcoming. We will share the guidance once it becomes available.
HHS Offers Medicaid Allocation Application Tutorials 

The HHS Provider Relief Fund Medicaid Application Process while a positive step also has come with a number of questions. Unlike Tranches 1-3, the Medicaid Allocation requires an application requiring an array of data. Today, HHS announced two Medicaid Allocation Application online tutorials. The date options are below and please note: you must pre-register. Click the links below to register:


AHCA/NCAL Webinar on Economic Impact Payments for Social Security and SSI Beneficiaries with Representative Payees

AHCA/NCAL recently put together a webinar recording on economic impact payments (EIPs) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and important facts for skilled nursing facilities, ICFs/IID, and assisted living communities to know on the use of them. IRS began issuing electronic EIPs on or about April 15 to people who received a tax refund electronically.  Read More
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.