COVID-19 UPDATE #145
March 16, 2021
SCHEDULE CHANGE ANNOUNCED RE: DSHS WEBINARS TO UPDATE PROVIDERS ON LTC SAFE START PLAN
Yesterday, Residential Care Services (RCS) sent out invites for three webinars related to updates about the “Safe Start for Long Term Care” plans. Unfortunately, RCS needs to reschedule the Thursday webinar and will now be holding the training on Tuesday, March 23, at 8:30 AM. If you signed up for the Thursday meeting, you have automatically been enrolled in the new time slot. If the new time/day does not work for you, please register for one of the Friday, March 19 trainings. If you have not registered yet, please sign up for one of the times below. 

March 19, 2021, 9:00 – 10:30

March 19, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30

March 23, 2021, 8:30 - 10:00

Please note: You may need to copy and paste the link of the webinar you want to attend into your internet browser in order to open it. Unfortunately for some users, clicking directly on the links above may prompt an error message or not open a browser window automatically. 

It is important that providers continue to follow their current Safe Start Plan. We will communicate with you again as soon as the Governor’s Proclamation is in place and provide you with updated information. 
REPORTING VACCINATION RATES TO NHSN
Skilled nursing facilities should have received a message from CMS last week encouraging weekly reporting of vaccination uptake rates to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) via the Vaccine Reporting Module. AHCA/NCAL has also previously encouraged this reporting by long term care facilities enrolled in NHSN. 

This reporting is important for two key reasons. First, it provides facilities the ability to effectively track their own uptake rates, which now links to CMS’ revised visitation guidance. Second, it is important to provide this information to the CDC so they can track the effectiveness of the vaccines in long term care, which is necessary for any further easing of restrictions, such as testing or PPE. 

Facilities are encouraged to submit to the Vaccine Reporting Module in NHSN as soon as possible.
CDC STUDY SHOWS VACCINE EFFECTIVENESS IN LTC
The CDC has released a study​ showing the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine. The study included two skilled nursing facilities in Connecticut who experienced an outbreak following the first vaccine clinic. The study found that partial vaccination with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was 63 percent effective against COVID-19 infection. 

This positive data shows that the vaccine is not only effective at preventing symptomatic disease but also from becoming infected at all. It also underscores the importance of reporting vaccine uptake rates via the CDC’s Vaccine Reporting Module to facilitate similar studies in the future.
SOUTH KING COUNTY HAS SOME VACCINE AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS OF SOUTH KING COUNTY
King County Public Health has informed us of some vaccine appointments available for residents of south King County. Below is information we can share. You must make an appointment, and the vaccine is available on a limited basis.

KENT - King County | 8 AM - 7 PM

AUBURN - King County | 8 AM - 7 PM
OSHA'S NEW COVID-19 INSPECTION, WHISTLEBLOWER PROGRAM TARGETS SNFs, ALFs, & CCRCs
A new 12 month National Emphasis Program (NEP) was introduced by OSHA and took effect last Friday, and targets CCRC’s, ALF, and SNF’s in their programs designed to protect employees from COVID exposure. This means for the next year, OSHA will be showing up at facilities to assure that at-risk occupancies are taking steps to minimize the risk of exposure to their employees.

Many have heard us opine that as we started to “see light at the end of the tunnel” in controlling the pandemic, we expected to see OSHA get more aggressive against the industry, which is exactly what has happened.

Your Respiratory Protection Program must contain these elements (and remember…an N-95 mask is considered a respirator):
  • Define how respirator selection was done
  • Define respirator use requirements
  • Storage and disposal of respirators
  • Medical evaluations of all employees wearing a respirator
  • Fit testing of all employees wearing a respirator
  • Training of all employees wearing a respirator
  • Recordkeeping
  • Program evaluation for efficacy of your program

Here is a link to an excellent article that explains OSHA’s position. Many thanks to Sorensen, Wilder & Associates for this article.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
WHCA continues to post resources and information as it becomes available on our website. If you have questions or need additional information, please call the WHCA office at (800) 562-6170.