Greetings!

This message includes:
  • information about the recall of certain Celltrion COVID-19 antigen tests;
  • a reminder about COVID-19 test reporting requirements;
  • an update on the availability of oral antivirals to treat COVID-19;
  • information about HQI’s vaccine education series; and
  • a note about the repeal of the DOLI Standard. 

Sincerely,

April Payne, MBA, LNHA
Chief Quality & Regulatory Affairs Officer
Executive Director of VCAL
Virginia Health Care Association | Virginia Center for Assisted Living 
Recall of Certain Celltrion COVID-19 Antigen Tests

VDH asked VHCA-VCAL to relay to members the news that certain lot numbers of Celltrion COVID-19 antigen tests have been recalled. VDH does not know if the recalls are associated with any tests that were shipped to Virginia's long term care facilities (LTCFs).
 
Of note, the FDA recall notice includes the following, which would indicate affected facilities may have already been informed of the recall.
 
On February 28, 2022, Celltrion USA sent letters to some affected distributors and customers with the following instructions:
  • discontinue use
  • return all unused product
  • complete and return Acknowledgement and Receipt Form
 
Here is additional information about the recall:  
Reminder: LTCF COVID-19 Test Results
Reporting Requirements
 
VDH recommends that LTCFs review reminders about required COVID-19 reporting. This document, dated March 7, 2022, includes details on required reporting for point-of-care (POC) testing for nursing facilities and assisted living facilities.
 
In addition to the specifics of the reporting requirements, this document covers how to report and the penalties for failure to report. For both provider types, facilities that perform POC testing are required to report results for all POC testing that is performed within the facility (residents, staff, visitors).
 
VHCA-VCAL recommends you review the document in its entirety to ensure you are in compliance with the reporting requirements.
Oral Antivirals Now Available to
LTCFs to Treat COVID-19
 
The federal government has launched two new initiatives, “Test to Treat” and “Long-Term Care Pharmacy Program,” to create an allocation of oral antiviral medications for utilization in vulnerable populations. Via the Long-Term Care Pharmacy Program, as of March 7, LTC pharmacies can direct order from the federal allocation, which has significantly increased the access to these lifesaving therapies for LTC residents who are at increased risk for developing severe COVID-19. While vaccination continues to provide the best protection against COVID-19, the “Test to Treat” and “Long-Term Care Pharmacy Program” are part of a broader strategy to quickly connect eligible individuals who are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 to treatments. 
 
LTC facilities that need these therapeutics should reach out to their pharmacies for consultation and request the oral antivirals Paxlovid (by Pfizer) and Molnupiravir (by Merck). It is important to note that certain medications may have drug-to-drug interactions when using oral antivirals. Pharmacists should review the resident’s medication list prior to filling the prescription.
HQIN COVID-19 Vaccine Education Series
Have You Had Your Weekly Dose?
 
The Health Quality Innovation Network’s (HQIN) Weekly Dose Office Hours webinar series provides current updates on COVID-19 guidance and vaccine information. As a Medicare Quality Innovation Network – Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO), HQIN is dedicated to helping you increase your vaccination rates.
 
This forum for vaccine and booster questions features interactive, peer-to-peer collaboration following a brief presentation. Each session includes best practices and innovative idea sharing as well as tips for improving resident and staff safety. Weekly Dose Office Hours are held Wednesdays at 1:00 pm CT/2:00 pm ET.
 
Register for the next Office Hours, as well as upcoming sessions, at this link: https://tinyurl.com/575d66tn
 
For a 30-second overview of the Office Hours, watch this brief video: https://tinyurl.com/2p83yhjy
Safety and Health Codes Board Votes Again
to Revoke FPS Standard
 
The Safety and Health Codes Board met on March 21 to affirm its finding that the COVID-19 Final Permanent Standard (FPS) issued by the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) is no longer necessary and made a final vote on its revocation. This decisions will become official this Wednesday, March 23, 2022 when notice is published in the Richmond Times Dispatch.
 
With this action, there is no need to comply with this regulation any longer.
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