Greetings!

This message includes: 

Sincerely,

April Payne, LNHA

Vice President of Quality Improvement | Director of VCAL

Virginia Health Care Association | Virginia Center for Assisted Living 

Friday Call with VDH on the

Guidance for Phased Reopening

 

During our member call on Friday, June 26 at 3:30 pm, VDH will join us to discuss the VDH Nursing Home Guidance for Phased Reopening . Discussion topics will include the guidance and the VDH data on outbreaks at long term care facilities. We know the agency is also working on related FAQs, which we hope to see soon.

The call will be recorded for those who are unable to attend the live event.

Phase Change Attestation Form

for Virginia Nursing Homes

The Phase Change Attestation Form for Virginia Nursing Homes is found on pages 15-16 of the reopening guidance. The forms should be sent to the local health department.

The VDH Office of Licensure and Certification (OLC) had also requested that nursing facilities send a copy of the attestation form to their respective supervisor. As a reminder, OLC LTC Supervisors can be reached at the following addresses: 

VDH Data on Outbreaks

It has come to our attention that some members have noticed errors in the COVID-19 outbreak data posted on the Virginia Long-Term Care Task Force webpage . We know this adds additional complications to your communications with residents and families.

We would encourage all members—both nursing facilities and assisted living—to review the facility-specific data. It is sorted by outbreak in progress, outbreak pending closure, or outbreak closed. We are coordinating with VDH to determine how members can work through having the inaccuracies corrected. 

ALF Recommendations for Reopening

Yesterday DSS issued a memo on Recommendations for Reopening Assisted Living Facilities, which outlines recommendations and best practices when considering reopening. DSS explains that each facility should consider the reopening criteria and move through reopening phases based on assessment of its own specific circumstances. DSS also included a reminder about the infection control requirements set forth in 22VAC40-73, Standards for Assisted Living Facilities.

Under 22VAC40-73-100, facilities are required to update their infection control programs in response to COVID-19 to address surveillance, prevention, and control of disease and infection. Revisions to infection control plans must be consistent with CDC guidelines and Occupational Safety and Health Administration bloodborne pathogens regulations. In addition, infection control programs should incorporate recommendations from DSS and VDH.

In addition, if there is an outbreak of an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, facilities must follow all recommendations made by VDH to prevent or control transmission of the infectious agent in the facility. The ALF standards specify elements for development and implementation of an infection control program, as well as infection control training requirements for all levels of staff and volunteers. Your licensing inspector may request a copy of your updated infection control policies and procedures in response to COVID-19.

DSS encourages facilities to contact their inspectors with any questions.

Saliva-Based COVID-19 Test Kits Available through HPSI

HPSI, VHCA-VCAL’s endorsed partner for group purchasing, has announced it is partnering with Remote Health Solutions to provide the first FDA emergency use authorization-approved saliva-based COVID-19 test kits. Please see the instructions on how to order as well as the related FAQ.

Upcoming Events

 

COVID-19 Legal Webinar Series: Blanket Waivers

June 25, 2020 | 2:00 pm

VDH Guidance for Phased Reopening Webinar

June 26, 2020 | 9:00 am

VHCA-VCAL Member Call on COVID-19

June 26, 2020 | 3:30 pm

COVID-19’s Impact on Pharmacy Services and

Medication Management

July 14, 2020 | 2:00 pm

 

MDS Hot Topics Webinar

July 23, 2020 | 10:00 am