Greetings!
This message includes:
- updated county positivity data from both CMS and VDH;
- links to Abbott BinaxNOW training sessions this week;
- information on how to apply for CMP funds to facilitation in-person visitation; and
- details on numerous webinars including the kick-off calls for the ECHO COVID-19 Learning Networks, Provider Relief Fund Reporting, and more.
Sincerely,
April Payne, MBA, LNHA
Vice President of Quality Improvement | Director of VCAL
Virginia Health Care Association | Virginia Center for Assisted Living
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New County Positivity Data from CMS and VDH
Today, October 6, CMS published another update to the county positivity rate file on the COVID-19 Nursing Home Data webpage in the COVID-19 Testing section. This new file includes data from September 17 – September 30.
Nursing facilities are allowed to use either the CMS published positivity rates or the state published rates, but must document the source, date, time and use the same source consistently.
Also, note that CMS has been re-assigning counties with low testing volume to lower nursing home staff testing tiers, therefore the colors do not always match the percentages. The VDH data page pages provides the PCR testing encounters for each county, as well. The VDH data will not be adjusted, so nursing homes would determine their testing frequency according to the following instructions from CMS:
- GREEN: <5.0% or with <20 tests in past 14 days
- YELLOW: test percent positivity 5.0%-10.0% or with <500 tests and <2000 tests/100k and >10% positivity over 14 days
- RED: >10.0% and not meeting the criteria for “Green” or “Yellow”: Red.
Test positivity is rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent before classifying.
Quick Links
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Abbot BinaxNOW Training
Abbott will be holding two educational webinars this week in support of their BinaxNOW COVID-19 tests. These webinars are designed to reinforce the Training Toolkit and highlight key points that should be kept in mind during BinaxNOW COVID-19 and NAVICA implementation. To register for either training, please use the links below.
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CMP Funds Available for In-Person Visitation Aids
CMS has granted states the ability to use Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment funds to help facilitate in-person visitation between residents and their loved ones. The use of CMP funds is approved to purchase tents for outdoor visitation and/or clear dividers (e.g., Plexiglas or similar product) to create a physical barrier to reduce the risk of transmission during in-person visits. Funding for tents and clear dividers is limited to a maximum of $3,000 per facility.
DMAS has asked VHCA-VCAL to share the application template developed by CMS. It is intended to enable states to approve requests that meet CMS parameters (described in the application template) without CMS review.
DMAS is accepting applications through November 13, 2020. The agency anticipates that this template and process will reduce the time for approval of CMP funds for the purchase in-person visitation aids.
Quick Links
Parameters for state approval of allowable uses of CMP funds for in-person visitation aids:
- States will need to track applications to ensure there is not duplication of facilities receiving in-person visitation aids. This information should be entered into the Annual CMP Reinvestment Tracker completed by each state. In addition, states will need to include the [email protected] mailbox on all approval/denial notifications.
- Facilities may use up to a maximum of $3,000 for in-person visitation aids.
- Applications must only include requests that directly address the need to facilitate in-person visits for residents.
- Applicants must only include requests for funds to purchase in-person visitation aids (i.e., tents for outdoor visitation and/or clear dividers (e.g., plexiglass or similar product)). The application should not include requests for items identified as prohibited (see list of prohibited expenses included in application template).
- Applications must ensure Life Safety Code requirements found at 42 CFR 483.90 are met, unless waived under the public health emergency declaration.
- Applications must ensure appropriate infection prevention and control practices are in place. Surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected between resident uses. Review the EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Use against SARS-CoV-2 to determine if the disinfectant identified in the manufacturer’s instructions meet EPA’s criteria.
- Applicants must work with state officials to determine the appropriate level of visitation restrictions within available guidelines from the CDC (e.g., limiting the number of individuals visiting with any one resident).
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Kickoff Calls for ECHO COVID-19 Learning Networks
Make plans to attend one of the sessions focused on SARS-COV-2 challenges and successes. You'll hear from experts about clinical management of COVID-19 and infection control, learn how you and your staff can participate in this innovative network designed to support you and your staff, and learn how to save and impact lives.
Supported by the Federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Project ECHO is virtually bringing together small groups of peers and experts to learn about the most current best practices to tackle pressing COVID-19 related problems.
Nursing homes eligible to receive funding from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) can receive $6,000 in compensation for participating.
Please register to attend one of the introductory webinars:
October 7, 2020 | 12:30 – 1:00 pm
October 8, 2020 | 7:30 – 8:00 am
October 13, 2020 | 3:00 – 3:30 pm
October 14, 2020 | 2:30 – 3:00 pm
October 15, 2020 | 12:00 – 12:30 pm
Please contact the ECHO team at with any questions. |
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AHCA/NCAL Provider Relief Fund Reporting
Office Hour Part 2
On Friday, October 9, at 3:00 pm, AHCA/NCAL will host a second office hour on the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Guidance.
Speakers will address:
- PRF reporting and financial management requirements and suggested action steps;
- possible approach to stimulus reconciliation and modeling; and
- highlights from written responses to the October 2 webinar follow-up Q&A
The recording of the October 2, 2020 AHCA/NCAL hosted “office hour” to provide up-to-date answers to questions about provider relief fund reporting requirements has been posted on ahcancalED. |
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Ask the Experts: FFCRA Webinar Recording
and Follow-up Webinar
AHCA/NCAL will host a follow-up “office hour” webinar on Wednesday, October 7 at 12:00 pm on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and how it impacts long term care. On this webinar, AHCA/NCAL Department of Labor consultants from Jackson Lewis, Craig S. Roberts and Henry Shapiro, will answer questions from the first webinar and additional questions as time allows, on the FFCRA impacting long term care. If you missed the first webinar you can find the recording and slides on the AHCA/NCAL website.
Please note, this is not meant to take the place of guidance from your legal counsel.
No pre-registration is required but you will need to login using your computer or WebEx app as questions will be accepted using the chat function. All lines will be muted.
October 7, 2020 | 12:00 pm
Meeting number: 172 281 2053 | Password: QExXPBc5b36
To join via audio, dial (415) 655-0003 and enter the meeting number.
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Upcoming Events
September 29 – October 29, 2020
October 8-31, 2020
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