Greetings!

This update covers:
  • New temporary procedures for DSS licensing inspections;
  • Info on upcoming CMS provider calls;
  • Access to COVID-19 testing in LTC; and
  • Mark Parkinson’s interview on Fox News.

Sincerely,

April Payne, LNHA
Vice President of Quality Improvement | Director of VCAL
Virginia Health Care Association | Virginia Center for Assisted Living 
DSS Temporary Procedures for
Conducting Licensing Inspections
 
DSS has issued a new memo on how the agency will be conducting licensing inspections f or assisted living facilities. The memo explains that most inspections will be done using a desk review process initiated by your licensing inspector. 

  1. Your assigned licensing inspector will call you to initiate the desk review inspection.
  2. Your inspector will send you a list of requested items before the inspection.
  3. On the date of the desk review, the inspector will email specific information and documents that you need to submit to the inspector in a specified timeframe.
  4. Your inspector will review the submitted documents, conduct interviews over the phone, determine compliance with applicable regulations, and provide an opportunity to discuss any violations.
  5. As with onsite inspections, you will have an opportunity to ask your inspector any questions you have during the inspection.
  6. Once the inspection is complete, your inspector will send you the inspection findings by email.

The department may still conduct onsite complaint inspections and initial onsite inspections as deemed necessary for issues such as serious complaints or investigations involving Adult Protective Services. Read the memo for the full details about the new procedures.
CMS “Office Hours” on COVID-19

Today at 5:00 pm CMS is beginning the first in a series of opportunities for hospitals, health systems, and providers to ask questions of agency officials regarding CMS’s temporary actions that empower local hospitals and healthcare systems to:
  • increase hospital capacity;
  • rapidly expand the healthcare workforce;
  • put patients over paperwork; and
  • further promote telehealth in Medicare.

April 7, 2020 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Toll-Free Attendee Dial In: (833) 614-0820
Event Plus Passcode: 6793622

Conference lines are limited, so CMS highly encourages that you to join via audio webcast, either on your computer or smartphone web browser.

You can submit questions in advance to [email protected], including “Office Hours” in the subject line. There will also be live Q&A.

In addition, CMS has provided the presentation materials from this afternoon’s Medicare Learning Network COVID-19 Update.
Access to COVID-19 Testing in LTC

COVID-19 testing continues to be a significant point of concern for LTC providers. According to CDC guidance, LTC residents with symptoms fall into priority category two for testing. While not required, some state and local health departments and/or individual clinicians are using this guidance to prioritize testing. There is also a significant backlog of tests and growing shortage of testing supplies in labs across the country, which is also causing delays. As a reminder the VDH Updated Guidance on Testing for COVID-19 webpage details the latest criteria being used in Virginia.

Members who are approached by companies selling antibody tests (blood tests with rapid result) should be aware that this is different than a PCR test and cannot diagnose a patient with COVID-19. Members should also verify that any company selling a test has an EUA from the FDA. More information is provided in this document from AHCA/NCAL, Testing for COVID-19 in Long Term Care. AHCA/NCAL continues to seek options for vendors that can provide testing for LTC and will continue to update you when new information is available.
Mark Parkinson on Fox News

Yesterday, AHCA/NCAL President & CEO Mark Parkinson appeared on the Fox News program America’s Newsroom, talking about the impact of COVID-19 on America's long term care facilities, the need for priority testing and PPE, and how federal and state officials can help.
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