Monday, June 1, 2020
COVID-19 Updates and Resources for WALA Members
Membership Matters: A Weekly Dialogue with WALA on Friday, June 5th
We invite WALA Members to engage in a weekly dialogue opportunity with WALA CEO Mike Pochowski.

When: Friday, June 5 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

To Participate via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81865286559 

These meetings will provide:
  • Recap of the week behind us – top items of relevance as they affect assisted living providers
  • Updates on advocacy initiatives around COVID-19, caregiver funding, workforce, etc.
  • Question and Answer opportunity

Please submit your questions to WALA by Thursday at 5 p.m. to info@ewala.org
DHS Updates for Assisted Living Providers
BAL: Technology Based Inspections
I n order to reduce the footprint in assisted living facilities during the COVID-19 crisis, the Bureau of Assisted Living says it will conduct remote surveys.

Surveys conducted during this time will include but not limited to:
  • All complaints that constitute imminent danger, immediate threat, and allegations of abuse and neglect
  • Complaints alleging infection control concerns, including facilities with potential COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses
  • Statutorily required probationary licensing visits
  • Verifications visits required due to a No New Admission Order (NNAO) or NNAO Extended
  • Initial licensing/certification surveys

Surveyors will conduct remote surveys using a combination of phone calls, email/fax, and online video conference technology to complete interviews, record reviews, and observations.

Online video conferences will be conducted through Apple FaceTime or Zoom.

BAL encourages providers to review the following online video conference guides to prepare for a remote survey: Apple FaceTime
DQA: Application for Temporary Assisted Living Facility Expansion Units and Transfer Options during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency State
Please visit the following link to view DQA Memo 20-009/ Licensure/Certification Application for Temporary Assisted Living Facility Expansion Units and Transfer Options during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency State :  https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/dqa/memos/20-009.pdf

Purpose
The purpose of this memorandum is to establish the process for assisted living facilities to temporarily cohort, transfer, and/or discharge residents within and between facilities during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The temporary cohorting and transfer/discharge options discussed in this memorandum are intended to allow assisted living facilities flexibility to the extent necessary to maintain the health, safety and well-being of residents during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Questions
For questions related to assisted living licensure, please contact  Judy Jordan  or  William Gardner .

For question related to Physical Environment or Life Safety Code, please contact  Henry Kosarzycki .

For general questions regarding this memo, please contact  Alfred Johnson .

Please see the DQA Memo webpage at  https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/dqa/memos/index.htm  for more information.
Federal Updates (Provided by Argentum)
HEROES Act Legislative Summary
Earlier this month, House Democrats passed their COVID-19 response package— H.R. 6800 , the  Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act . Argentum was pleased to see the inclusion of many of our priorities in this package and will continue to advocate for their inclusion in the final compromise bill. Here is a brief summary of some provisions included:

  • An additional $100 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (PHSSEF or “provider fund”)
  • Assisted living providers who participate in Medicaid through a state plan or Home and Community Based Services waiver would be eligible for 200% of the total amount of reimbursement received during the quarter for all items and services furnished
  • An additional $75 billion for testing, contact tracing, and isolation measures, as well as additional funding for personal protective equipment for essential workers
  • The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) would be expanded to allow all 501(c) non-profit entities with fewer than 500 employees to be eligible. The funds would be available through December 31, 2020 and could cover 24 weeks, up from the existing eight weeks
  • A Heroes Fund would provide $200 billion to essential workers, including those working in senior living
  • New workplace health and safety requirements enforced by OSHA for workplaces to develop and implement infection control plans based on CDC expertise, and prohibiting retaliation against employees who report infection control problems

Grassroots Campaign: Standing with Seniors
Argentum’s grassroots advocacy campaign, Standing With Seniors, is continuing to make progress toward its goal of 500,000 letters sent to Congress, but these next several weeks are going to be absolutely critical to having our voices heard on the urgent needs of PPE, test kits, and financial relief for our communities.

Congressional offices are being flooded every day with letters asking for help. Senior living communities need to stand out, and that’s why it’s so important that every community does its part to help reach this goal. As of today, nearly 40,000 letters have been sent to Congress, including more than 24,000 letters from family members alone.
SCOA Hearing
Last week, the Senate Committee on Aging held a hearing, " Caring for Seniors Amid the COVID-19 Crisis ," largely reviewing the needs of seniors living in long-term care communities.

During the hearing, there was recognition that we are serving the population most at risk from the harmful effects of the virus and a recognition of the immense challenges of caring for this population during this time. Overall, Argentum believes the hearing provided important context to continued requests for federal resources and relief. 
Letter in Support of USPS
Along with nearly two dozen senior and aging services advocates, Argentum signed onto a letter earlier this month urging Congressional leaders to provide the United States Postal Services the financial support they need to continue operations. The letter cites: "More than ever before, people are relying on the USPS to deliver their lifesaving prescription medications and other necessities...This is critically important for Americans with chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma, who need prescription medicines on an ongoing basis and are most at-risk if they contract the coronavirus."