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Join CMS and the CDC for a National Stakeholder Call providing updates on COVID-19, infection control practices, the vaccine, and the importance of boosters.

CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure will host the call joined by the US Surgeon General and several subject matter experts from CDC and CMS.

Thursday, January 6, 2022 | 3:00-3:45 pm

*Please RSVP by 5:00 pm today, Wednesday, January 5*

Zoom link will be provided following registration.

Long term care providers, facility staff and resident advocates.

As a reminder, VDH does not currently have testing supplies available for long term care facilities, however, the agency has continued to work with suppliers and anticipates having additional supply of tests sometime in January. VDH expects supply will still be limited and will be evaluating how to prioritize distribution of supplies, so it is encouraging facilities to consider contracting with a private vendor as a “plan B” to support testing needs.

This link may also be helpful in procuring tests. We expect communication sometime this week with more information about the ordering process for any test kits the state has been able to procure.

 

Remember to consult the VHCA-VCAL Timeline for COVID-19 Regulations and Guidance, a chronological timeline that compiles explanations and links for regulations, guidelines, and documents issued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It contains references to various federal and state entities that are involved in directing long term care facilities during the pandemic. The latest update, “January 2, 2022 – REVISION (updated through December 31, 2021)” includes the myriad of guidance issued in late December.

VHCA-VCAL has collaborated with Chiles Healthcare Consulting to develop this document, which is updated weekly, or as needed as new guidance is issued. The link will always take you to the most recent version of the timeline.

The timeline is divided into two sections. The first section is a chronological listing of references, regulations, and guidance offered from federal and state entities. The second section, beginning on page 238, is a chronological listing of waiver and executive orders. The two sections include the date on which the action or notice was published, the topic, a brief summary, and a link to the document referenced. For ease of sorting and recognition, the topics are color coded throughout the document. Please note, this guideline is to be considered a reference tool and should not be considered all-inclusive of guidance and regulations offered during the pandemic.

The timeline is posted to our COVID-19 Resources webpage in the “VHCA-VCAL Resources” section.

As part of a grant DSS received in partnership with VDH, DSS will provide essential infection prevention and control support to licensed adult providers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

To determine the educational and training needs of those working in assisted living facilities (ALFs), DSS has two requests of ALFs as outlined in this December 30 memo:

1) Print and post the flyer included in the memo by your time clock(s), breakroom, nurses' stations, kitchen, and any non-resident areas frequented by staff members. This will ensure staff can complete the survey anonymously. This survey is for ALL staff, clinical and nonclinical.

2) Submit your facility’s Infection Control Plan and any other policies regarding COVID-19 or other infectious and communicable diseases, including but not limited to the following:

Complete the survey and submit documents by January 13, 2022. All requested documents should be emailed to [email protected].

Recommendations for improvements of Infection Control Plans and other submitted policies will be provided by DSS Infection Preventionist (IP) Consultants.

The information gathered will not be used in a punitive manner but will ensure a thorough assessment of the infection prevention and control issues within ALFs. This will help DSS build a training program applicable to provider needs.