The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) launched the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Portal. The portal is only open for providers to set up user accounts and register to submit reports. In the updated PRF Reporting requirements (click here), HHS indicates reporting is delayed until further notice. No date is provided in the PRF Reporting FAQs. Highlights from the Reporting FAQs include:

You may view the PRF Reporting and Audit webpage with reporting guidance here.

AHCA/NCAL has provided a summary of changes to the Post-Payment Notice of PRF Reporting Requirements here. To access AHCA/NCAL’s webinar on reporting requirements and general information, click here. Please note that this webinar does not reflect the 1/15 reporting updates.

For AICPA’s webinar on Single Audit (sponsored by the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center), click here. 

From the Maryland Department of Health, please see this CMS memo that provides updates on the Health Inspection and Quality Measure domains of the Five Star Quality Rating System, and the transition to the new Care Compare website.

The Maryland Department of Health has finalized this letter specific to nursing home partners regarding the availability of two types of monoclonal antibody infusions that have potential benefits to certain patients who have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.

Early data for these therapeutics suggest that they may reduce the risk of hospitalization for people at high risk who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have only mild to moderate symptoms. Please note that this letter contains links to additional FDA resources.

Please see the letter for more information. Thank you for your continued dedication to protecting the health of Marylanders in need.

Recently updated guidance from HHS no longer requires mandatory POC reporting directly to NHSN.

While NHSN is the CDC- and CMS preferred pathway, Medicare and Medicaid-certified LTC facilities may submit data through the other mechanisms described in the Current Methods of Submission section. This includes “submission of laboratory testing data through a state or regional Health Information Exchange (HIE) to the appropriate state or local public health department and to the CDC as directed by the state.”

This is how nursing homes submit their data to CRISP and it will meet the minimum standards for HHS reporting. While facilities may continue to submit their POC test result data directly to NHSN, it is not mandatory as long as they are submitting the data to CRISP, which is mandatory per the State

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has launched a campaign to encourage long term care residents and staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

As COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out to skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities across the country, providers are working hard to educate their staff and residents about the safety and benefits of the vaccine. AHCA/NCAL has updated its tactics for effectively communicating with staff to reflect best practices gathered from providers across the country.

To view all the materials please visit www.ahcancal.org/getvaccinated.

It is required that a fit test of N95 Masks be performed to ensure proper fit to the individual wearing the mask. The test is performed on a healthcare worker using a specific model, style, and size of N95. If using different types, styles, and sizes, the individual must be properly fit tested for each different mask.

This session is a train-the-trainer format so that your center will have individuals on staff trained in performing the fit test on other staff members. We ask they you limit your number of attendees for this training to four people per center. Please register your center for one day and time. We do not need to know the name of the individuals.

You are required to bring with you the N95s, you use at your Center, that you have a good supply of and will be able to replenish that supply. Every model and style of N95 is different and will require fit testing before use.

It is recommended that you bring your Center's Fit Test Kit. If you do not currently have one, please order today from your vendor. Safety and infection control procedures will be in place at the training.  Please adhere to all infection control procedures before attending the training session.

If you have any questions, please call or email Patty DeGrasse 410-353-9800 (cell) or pdegrasse@hfam.org.