Coronavirus Update #136
Opportunity to Engage with Nursing Home Commission, MDH Webinar, Testing Reminder
Opportunity to Engage with Nursing Home Commission - Submit Feedback by July 17

The Commission on Safety & Quality in Nursing Homes has a new public engagement option  which is open to receive feedback until   July 17, 2020, 5pm ET.  This is a key opportunity to share your thoughts directly with the Commission. 
 
The  stated goals  of the Commission are to identify best practices for COVID-19 response and mitigation; best practices for infection control practices that can be a framework for enhanced oversight and quality monitoring; best practices for improved care delivery and responsiveness before, during and after an emergency; and to leverage new data sources to improve infection control policies and coordination between local, state and federal entities to mitigate COVID-19 and future emergencies. 
 
The  public engagement portal  allows members of the public to submit feedback on the objectives of the Commission as well as to submit publications or other resources you would like the Commission to consider in their work.   
 
We encourage you to take advantage of this important opportunity to share your voice and input with the Commission.  AHCA members have identified top priorities and solutions (see Practices Solutions COVID Nursing Homes ) for each of the objectives of the Commission as well as key support that nursing homes need to receive from CMS (see Top Asks of CMS for Quick Implementation to Mitigate COVID in Nursing Homes ). 

Please use these resources to help inform the feedback you provide to the Commission, feel free to build from any one or more of the priorities, solutions, asks in these documents.  Please tailor your responses to your own experiences as the individualized messaging of your story is most important and meaningful to drive change. 
 
If you have any questions please contact Holly Harmon at AHCA or Hope Morris at HFAM . Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with the Commission!
MDH Webinar Recap

Last week, the Maryland Department of Health held a webinar call to update the long-term care sector on COVID-19 developments and best practices. The call was recorded, in case you were unable to join or would like to review the topics discussed, which included:

  • Review current situation of COVID-19
  • Testing Taskforce Updates
  • Persistently Positive COVID-19 PCR
  • Clarification about the use of gowns
  • LTC Survey Results
  • CDC FAQ on testing for new admissions
  • Q & A


You can also view the webinar's  PowerPoint presentation here.
Reminder on Testing

Please continue to be focused and diligent in your work with the state of Maryland with mandatory universal testing.  As a reminder, read carefully this   MDH guidance regarding the testing process. This includes updates on test kit deliveries and the new one-time registration process that will eliminate the need to provide weekly rosters.

Additionally, please see the   Testing Flow Chart for guidance on expected milestones.
In the Media - Layhill Center

Check out this recent piece from ABC News that highlights the amazing work that Vita Healthcare Layhill Center for Nursing and Rehab has been doing during the COVID-19 pandemic to achieve superior outcomes. We are proud of and appreciate the dedication of all the healthcare heroes who have been providing quality care to Marylanders in need. Thank you!
Do you have a story to share? Who are your healthcare heroes?

There are so many amazing stories of dedication, sacrifice, and compassion by long term care professionals who are going above and beyond to ensure the safety, health, and happiness of residents during this unprecedented time. These individuals are saving lives; they are heroes.

We want to hear your stories!  Please email   [email protected]   to share a story and picture or media piece about members of your team who are going above beyond to provide quality care during this unprecedented time. 
Did you miss HFAM's previous alerts?

Visit our website to view all previous HFAM alerts, as well as guidance
from our federal and state partners.
Thank you.

We cannot thank you enough for the dedication and diligence in doing all that you can for the residents in your communities. HFAM continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic with our state and national partners and will do all we can to support you during this time.