Greetings!

This message includes:
  • details on how to join a 5:30 pm call today hosted by CMS on testing; and
  • a link to the VDH Nursing Home Reopening FAQs and a note on one of the testing FAQs. 

Sincerely,

April Payne
Vice President of Quality Improvement | Director of VCAL
Virginia Health Care Association | Virginia Center for Assisted Living 
CMS Call for Nursing Homes on Testing
 
CMS Administrator Verma has scheduled a call for all nursing homes today, Wednesday, July 15 at 5:30 pm. She has some announcements and updates she wants to provide directly to nursing homes regarding the agency’s announcement on COVID-19 testing in nursing homes in hotspot geographic areas.

Call lines are limited, so CMS encourages you to join the  audio webcast .

The call information is:
  • Phone: (833) 614-0820 
  • Conference ID: 9391146 
 
AHCA/NCAL will send out a summary of the call for those who cannot attend the live event.
VDH FAQ on Testing

As a reminder, the VDH Nursing Home Reopening Guidance FAQs include valuable information. Of note, we would like to point out the following FAQ in the Testing section: 

Which type of test, viral or antibody, should be performed when testing is indicated by the recommendations?
 
An  FDA EUA  viral diagnostic test should be performed when testing is indicated. Antibody testing should not be used in this context.

There are two types of viral diagnostic tests, molecular (e.g., PCR) and antigen. Molecular tests are preferred over antigen tests. Positive results from antigen tests are highly accurate, but negative results do not rule out infection (false negative). Thus, negative results are considered presumptive and must be followed up with a confirmatory molecular test.
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