This message includes:

Sincerely,

US Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the declaration that a public health emergency (PHE) exists. This is effective January 16, 2022 and will continue for 90 days pursuant to federal law. Any decision to allow the PHE to lapse would come with 60 days of notice.

PHE renewal through mid-April is welcome news. It provides for the uninterrupted continuation of several flexibilities that have protected beneficiary access to important services in as safe and effective manner as possible. Telehealth flexibilities, enhanced FMAP, SNF-specific waivers (3-Day Stay, Spell of Illness) and other COVID-19 related Medicare, Medicaid, and regulatory waivers remain in place.

We urgently need your help to contact legislators to tell them you oppose bills that would impose staffing ratios on nursing centers.

These bills call for a staffing standard that would be unfeasible. We know there simply are not enough people to hire to address the loss of over 11.5% of our workforce on top of needing to hire more to meet additional requirements.

It is important that you contact your Delegate and Senator today. We have set up an action alert which makes it simple and quick for you to send a message.

AHCA/NCAL receives frequent questions regarding National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting and common errors encountered by providers. To assist with these questions, the association has developed a resource on common NHSN errors and how to avoid them. To reduce gaps in reporting, it is highly recommended to have at least two people with security access to the NHSN reporting pathways.

AHCA/NCAL continues its advocacy efforts with CMS for reduction in reporting burden. Please contact [email protected] with any additional questions.