Important Update: Lab Contracts and Submission of Testing Plan to MDH
As a reminder, all SNFs and 50+ bed ALs are required to submit testing plans to MDH for approval by August 14, 2020.
We at HFAM continue to work behind the scenes on testing policy, nationally and locally here in Maryland, and the overlay of POC and PRC testing, molecular and antigen. The bottom line is that there is still broad variance in the time it takes to get PRC molecular test results. To be actionable, the longest timeframe to wait for results needs to be 48 hours. I am proud that we have alerted the sector dozens of times in recent weeks and months on testing, testing resources, the importance of cohorting, and PPE resources.
Most of you have contracts with one or more labs presently. We encourage all post-acute and long-term care providers to contract directly with lab(s), the State lab or with the LifeSpan Networking offering, and submit regular ongoing testing plans to the state ASAP.
Here are two contacts with the State on their lab offering:
Here is the contact at LifeSpan Network:
Again, the critically important point is that you contract with lab(s)
and that you submit your weekly testing plan (including lab contracts) to
the State ASAP and no later than the 8/14/20 deadline.
Onward together my friends. We are and we will continue to successfully navigate this together.
Be well,
