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May 7, 2020
  WVPCA Weekly Outlook Newsletter
    A Newsletter on Community Centered Healthcare





The CDC told top WV officials they bought counterfeit respirators. They let first responders use them anyway.
Read the entire article from The  Herald Dispatch   here.

State health czar: COVID-19 metrics indicated residents may be relaxing on adherence to guidelines
Read the entire article from  WVNEWS  here.

Read the entire article from The New York Times   here.   
EmergencyManagement
COVID-19 Workforce Virtual Toolkit

HRSA staff contributed to this new resource from the HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR):  COVID-19 Workforce Virtual Toolkit: Resources for Healthcare Decision-Makers Responding to COVID-19 Workforce Concerns. 

It provides links to tools and resource collections relating to federal regulatory and funding flexibilities, licensure and scope of practice expansions, liability protections, workforce resilience and protection, and COVID-19-related training resources.
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) regularly updates its two COVID-19 health center frequently asked questions (FAQ) pages:

 

Health Center Program COVID-19 FAQs webpage offers guidance on Health Center Program policy questions.


 

COVID-19 Funding FAQs is a separate page devoted to questions on the H80, H8C and H8D grants, acceptable uses for that funding, and more funding-focused guidance .
U.S. Surpasses 1 Million COVID-19 Cases

Over million people in the United States have tested positive for the coronavirus, a sobering milestone that experts say represents only the beginning of a months-long battle to end the pandemic.

 The United States has now registered about a third of all confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the globe, according to data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. 

More than 74,000 people have died in the United States, about a quarter of the known COVID-19 deaths around the globe.
COVID-19/ NOVEL CORONAVIRUS Pandemic


As you know, information on coronavirus is changing daily.  The WVPCA is working with Federal, State, and local health officials in emergency preparedness activities as well as disseminating appropriate and current information to our Community Health Centers.  This includes up-to-date resources and policies to ensure the continued health and safety of the communities we serve.  

Guidance and resource information can be found on the WVPCA website here and coronavirus.gov.
WVPCA NewsWVPCA_news
Sustainable Telehealth: Workflow and Best Practices

The WVPCA understands that implementing and sustaining a successful telehealth program can be challenging and that you still may have a lot of questions. 

Please join the WVPCA and the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center for a one-hour long webinar on May 12, 2020 from Noon to 1PM.  This webinar will focus on the importance of designing workflows and the considerations that impact workflow in a successful telehealth encounter.  

Target Audience:  Providers and Clinic Staff 
( nurses, medical assistants, schedulers, administrators, etc.)  

Topics to be Covered:  
  • The impact of processes, workflows and etiquette on both provider and patient experience and satisfaction with telehealth.
  • The variation in telehealth workflows and best practices in mapping workflows within a practice/organization.
May 12, 2020 | Noon - 1PM
Telehealth: How to Conduct a Virtual Physical Exam

The WVPCA understands that implementing and sustaining a successful telehealth program can be challenging and that you still may have a lot of questions. 

Please join the WVPCA and the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center for a one-hour long webinar on May 14, 2020 from NOON -1PM.  

This webinar will focus on how to conduct and document a clinical assessment and a physical exam remotely during a telehealth visit. 

Target Audience:  CHC Providers and anyone else who assists with exams.

Topics to be Covered:  
  • Best practices and practice guidelines for providing primary and urgent care using telehealth.
  • Ways to perform and document a physical exam using telehealth.
May 14, 2020 | Noon - 1PM
PCMHCorner
NCQA (PCMH) Regional Training

Save the Date:  July 13-17,2020 - Now Virtual
   
Facilitators:  Bill Tulloch, Director, Quality Solutions Group, NCQA & Christina Borden, Director, Recognition Program Policy Resources, NCQA
Where:  Virtual
Who Should Attend Any person implementing the PCMH model at their clinical practice, pursing PCMH 2017 recognition, and/or PCMH status through annual reporting.  
Training Cost:  FREE

For more information, please contact Shannon Parker, MBA, PCMH CCE at [email protected].

Calling All School-Based Health Centers and School Nurses


The West Virginia Primary Care Association in partnership with the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium, WV Bureau for Public Health - Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease, and the West Virginia Department of Education is holding a virtual Town Hall Meeting on May 19th, 2020 from Noon to 1:30 pm.

The purpose of this meeting is to provide the opportunity to hear firsthand from School-Based Health Center professionals and School Nurses regarding the care they deliver to students with diabetes. We want to encourage your participation in this event in order to learn more about the successes you are having, the challenges you are facing and what support is needed to help prevent diabetes and care for those who are diabetic.

The information gathered from this Town Hall will be used by the partners above to deliver future webinars that support the care that is being provided to those with diabetes as well as diabetes prevention efforts.

Invite your colleagues and participate in this opportunity as we all work together to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve the care delivered.

Register here  for this 1.5 hours event will include break out rooms for SBHC staff and school nurses.
Join us, as together we address diabetes prevention and treatment.
State NewsStateNews
Become a CDC NDPP  Lifestyle Coach

Marshall University is hosting a FREE virtual Lifestyle Coach Training, led by Master Trainers from the Virginia Center for Diabetes Prevention and Education (VCDPE) of the University of Virginia.
 
What's included in the training?
  •   6-hours of live online training; divided over three 2-hour sessions
  •   6-hours of self-directed training; by videos, readings, and assessments
  •   Access to (VCDPE) online training platform and resources for one year
  •   Ongoing support and technical assistance from Marshall University
Dates:   June 4, 11, 18 (2 hours each: noon to 2 pm) all three online sessions are required
 
Registration deadline: May 15th 
(There is a very limited number of participants; please register immediately)

Prerequisites and Expectations:  There are no professional or educational requirements for becoming a Lifestyle Coach. Attendance at all three online sessions and the 6-hours of self-directed training is required for successful completion of the training and receipt of a Certificate of Completion and continuing education credits.

To Register: Email or call Shelia Plogger at [email protected] , 304-545-0424 with the following:
  Name
Organization
Role in Organization
Email
Phone
 
This is grant-funded through the CDC and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health, Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease.
Diabetes Prevention Program T2 Leader Training

WV Health Connection will be hosting a free, virtual National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) leader training!  They are providing this training with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant funding as well as support from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health, Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease.
 
In 2010, the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) was created as a way to address prediabetes and type 2 diabetes across the country. This program is a CDC recognized lifestyle-change program focused on healthy eating and physical activity.  Research has shown that people with prediabetes who take part in a lifestyle change program like the National DPP can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people over 60 years old).  Head to the CDC's National DPP website to learn more.

Click here if you would like to participate in this virtual training and become certified to lead the National DPP, there are two training dates to choose from: one training in May and one in June.  
Ending the HIV Epidemic: Boot Camp for Community Health Centers Wednesday Webinar Series


The West Virginia Primary Care Association, the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers, and the MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center have created this six-part webinar series for Community Health Centers who have an integral role in Ending the HIV Epidemic. Participants will hear from fellow Community Health Centers and clinic leaders for a strategy-gathering information exchange to learn more about HIV Routine Testing, Implementation of Routine Testing, Importance of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and how to access funding for PrEP. The webinars will be an hour in length and will include Q&A as well as audience interaction via polling.
Wednesday June 3, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Vital Role of Community Health Centers in Ending the HIV Epidemic

Wednesday June 10, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
HIV Routine Testing: Why It's Important

Wednesday June 17, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Implementation of HIV Routine Testing in your Community Health Center

Wednesday June 24, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Importance of PrEP in Primary Care - A Rural Clinic's Perspective

Wednesday July 8, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Importance of PrEP in Primary Care - An Urban Clinic's Perspective

Wednesday July 15, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Accessing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Billing and Coding

Register here.   Please refer to the event's registration page for credit information.
National NewsNationalNews
Announcing HRSA's National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Programs 

HRSA's National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has extended the application deadline for all three loan repayment programs to Thursday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. ET.:
Eligible clinicians providing primary medical, dental, or behavioral health care services or evidence-based SUD treatment can qualify for loan repayment up to $50,000 for the NHSC LRP, up to $75,000 for the NHSC SUD Workforce LRP, and up to $100,000 for the Rural Community LRP. Learn more about eligible disciplines, site types, and service commitment.
NACHC Extends a Big THANK YOU 

In a new three-minute video , NACHC staff share a heart-felt THANK YOU for all you are doing on the frontlines in caring for local communities, families and neighbors. Please know how grateful the PACHC team is as well for the incredible work and dedication of our community health center family!
Deadline Extensions

Applications for medical malpractice coverage under the FTCA  are open in EHBs. We've extended the completion deadline to Monday, July 13.

HRSA guidance for both new applications (deeming) and renewal of existing coverage (redeeming) for health center staff is available in Program Assistance Letter (PAL) 2020-02

Details about coverage for health center volunteer health professionals are available in PAL 2020-03. The HRSA website has more details about the application process, including a recorded TA webinar.
______________________________


Apply Now to the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program

Medical and dental school students, do you want to provide care where you're needed most? We will support you by paying your tuition, fees, and other educational costs and by providing you a living stipend. 

In exchange, you agree to serve at least two years at National Health Service Corps-approved sites in underserved rural, urban, and tribal communities.  Applications are now due Friday, May 15. Learn more .

Upcoming Training OpportunitiesUpcomingNationalTraining


Lauren Canary, Director with the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable will introduce the webinar by providing the national perspective on how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting those seeking services for viral hepatitis and resources for organizations responding to the crisis. Adam Fussaro, Director of the Center of Excellence with Public Health Management Corporation will discuss how Philadelphia health centers are providing care to patients currently in need of medication-assisted treatment and response to the crisis.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET
_____________________________

Many upcoming 
trainings and events 
have been canceled 
or postponed due 
to the COVID-19 emergency.
  It  is best  to  call 
ahead or check 
with the organizer's 
websites and 
contacts  to 
verify the status 
of ALL events 
and trainings
_________________






During this national emergency, teledentistry has become an emerging strategy to continue providing preventive dental care and triage for dental emergencies. During this webinar, attendees will learn from a subject matter expert on effective implementation strategies for teledentistry. Then, three health centers will share their experience in teledentistry during COVID-19 including their lessons learned and specific state regulations. 1 CDE will be offered. This webinar will be 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020 |3:00 PM ET

Improving Diabetes Care Quality in Rural Communities

Rural residents experience both a higher rate of risk factors for diabetes and more limited access to health services compared with urban areas. This webinar will focus on the role of telehealth delivery to overcome geographic and financial barriers to providing diabetes monitoring and patient lifestyle education. 

Thursday, May 21, 2020 | 2:00 PM ET
Register here
_______________________________

Using the Health Center Dental Dashboard for Tracking, Measuring and Improvement

Join this webinar to learn about The Health Center Dashboard. The Health Center Dental Dashboard serves as a resource for what to measure to monitor performance in a dental setting, and includes 15 measures to drive operational, financial and clinical improvements over a period of time. One (1) Continuing Dental Education (CDE) credit will be offered.  

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 | 1:00PM ET
FinancialAnchorFinancial and Funding Resources
Clarification on Unobligated Balance Carryover under Expanded Authority 
 
Starting with the submission of fiscal year 2019 Federal Financial Reports (FFR), health centers have "Expanded Authority" to carry over unobligated balances (UOB) that are 25% or less of the amount awarded for the budget period, within the project period, without prior approval from HRSA. Carryover may include UOB resulting from both base operational funding and any additional supplemental awards. When submitting the FFR in EHB, there are several choices related to unobligated balances.
   
Visit the HRSA website for FAQs and related resources and contact your Grants Management Specialist with any specific questions.
Additional CMS Changes for Telehealth 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced through a  press release  and updated COVID-19 Waivers Summary Document and provider-specific factsheets  additional expansions in telehealth policy to address needs related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. CCHP has updated its Federal Telehealth Policy and FQHC/RHC factsheets to reflect these new policies. One of the five stated goals of the changes is to increase access to telehealth for Medicare patients so that they can access care safely from their homes.

More information can be found here.
Capital Link COVID-19 Funding & Financing Resources

Capital Link has added a COVID-19 Resources page to their website with a collection of organizations and lenders that are providing funding for health centers in immediate need of financial assistance. Their upcoming webinars and learning collaborative sessions  that are scheduled over the next few weeks will include information that is tailored to the current circumstances health centers are currently experiencing in this pandemic, in-line with resources and guidance from NACHC and HRSA. 

USDA Announces Second Application Window for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program Funding

The USDA Rural Development announced a second application window for funding under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program due to the current public health emergency. This program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. Eligible applicants include most entities that provide education or health care through telecommunications. Apply by Monday, July 13.
CommunityHealthCenterResourceCommunity Health Center Resources
 
Jackson Kelly attorneys provide limited consultation to all members of the WVPCA at no charge, as part of the WVPCA contract. There is no limit to the number of calls which any member may make. All inquiries within the scope of professional competence of firm attorneys will be addressed. Inquiries which require expertise not available through the firm will be promptly identified and, when requested, Jackson Kelly will assist in referring the matter to accounting firms, insurance agents, or others as circumstances warrant.

All inquiries, responses and consultation services provided by the firm lawyers will be provided without additional charge beyond the retainer amount, except for matters which require formal opinions, representation of record in litigation, transactional work, e.g. the purchase or sale of real property, or matters which require continued representation, research or consultation beyond a single inquiry or document review.

Justin M. Harrison is a labor & employment lawyer with Jackson Kelly PLLC. He is available for consultation through a special retainer relationship with the WVPCA.  Justin can be reached at 304.340.1358 and via email at [email protected].
Risk Management Manual for Health Centers Now Available!
 
The Risk Management Manual for Health Centers is now available on the ECRI Institute Clinical Risk Management Program website! Designed to support a proactive approach to risk management at health centers and free clinics, the Manual provides background, tips, and how-tos in a manageable format.

Specific areas that are covered include:

Risk Management Programs & Plans
Claims and Lawsuits
Role of the Risk Manager
Patient Grievances and Complaints
Communication with Patients
Credentialing and Privileging
Communication among Providers, Staff, and Community Partners
Tracking Systems for Diagnostic Tests, Referrals, and Hospitalizations

View an archived webinar that provides a guided tour of the Manual and key features. For access to the ECRI Institute Clinical Risk Management Program website or any other questions, email [email protected].
COVID-19 Resources for Health Centers
ECRI Institute 
 
Federally qualified health centers and free clinics are on the front line in testing and treating patients who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Use these resources to keep your staff and patients safe:
In addition, ECRI's COVID-19 Resource Center includes free resources addressing the provision of clinical care and managing the supply chain. Updated several times per week, highlights include:
Additional guidance is available directly from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), including:
WVPCA Staff

Sherri Ferrell, MBA | Chief Executive Officer
Debra Boyd | Chief Financial/Chief Operations Officer
Staci Arnold, MBA | Data Service & Integration Specialist
Jennifer Boyd, PA-C, PCMH-CCE | Clinical Consultant
John Kennedy, MA | School-Based Health/Behavioral Health Coordinator
Pam Moore | Member Relations Coordinator
Shannon Parker, MBA, PCMH-CCE | Director of Health Center Operations
Amanda West | Staff Accountant
Emma White, RN | Clinical Quality Improvement Coordinator 
Paula Beasley | Education and Communications Coordinator 
To sign up to receive the WVPCA Weekly Newsletter, click HERE
West Virginia Primary Care Association
  1700 MacCorkle Ave. Charleston, WV 25314| (304) 346-0032 | WWW.WVPCA.ORG
STAY CONNECTED:
This project is/was supported partially/fully by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U58CS06834 State and Regional Primary Care Associations. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.