Greetings!

This message includes:
  • details on how to order BinaxNOW test cards from VDH; and
  • the latest information from HRSA on applying for Phase 4 Provider Relief Funds and the Rural Application. 

Sincerely,

April Payne, MBA, LNHA
Chief Quality & Regulatory Affairs Officer
Executive Director of VCAL
Virginia Health Care Association | Virginia Center for Assisted Living 
Abbott BinaxNOW Test Cards Available from VDH

VHCA-VCAL has heard from several members that orders for antigen testing supplies has become challenging over the past few weeks. We reached out to VDH and were advised that the agency has Abbott BinaxNOW rapid antigen test cards available for nursing home and assisted living facility providers.
 
Facilities interested in receiving these can submit requests using the following link: https://forms.gle/TfL93Wnd51zzB2Ho7.
 
Please note that the VDH supply has an expiration date of December 19, 2021, so submit your orders as soon as possible to use the available supply. VDH will not accept requests after December 1, 2021.
HRSA Extends PRF Application Window and
Provides Phase 4 and Rural CHOW Guidance

On October 25, the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) announced that providers have additional time to complete their Provider Relief Fund Phase 4 and Rural Application. The new FAQ states:
 
  • All applicants must complete the first step of the application process (i.e., submitting their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and associated information for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) validation) no later than October 26, 2021, at 11:59 pm EST. 
  • The required IRS validation that occurs after completion of the first step may take a few days. 
  • If an applicant submits their TIN for validation by the October 26, 2021 deadline and that TIN is subsequently validated by the IRS, the applicant will have until November 3, 2021 at 11:59 pm EST to complete and submit their application.
 
Additionally, last week, HRSA provided AHCA/NCAL with guidance on changes of ownership. Based upon the guidance, between the seller and the buyer, the eligible applicant depends on:

  • The filing TIN that is associated with the application. 
  • If the “seller” no longer has a filing TIN, they would not be eligible. 
  • If the “buyer” has a new filing TIN and the sale has been approved by CMS by the date the organization initiates its Phase 4 application, the buyer is the entity eligible to apply. 
 
Providers may contact HRSA’s Provider Support Line for assistance with challenging issues, such as TIN validation, at (866) 569-3522.
Upcoming Events

October 27, 2021 | 3:00 pm

November 9, 2021 | 1:15 – 4:30 pm

November 9-11, 2021

November 11, 2021

Payment & Financial Issues Conference | Richmond 
December 9, 2021 *Save the Date*

January 27, 2022
Quick Links
www.vhca.org | (804) 353-9101 | Calendar of Events