Complimentary Reimbursement Webinar (1CE)
From LeadingAge National
Federal Updates from LeadingAge National
 
Please Note - CDC LTC infection control leader will be on the LeadingAge National 3:30 call today Dr. Nimalie Stone is the the long-term care team lead within CDC’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, leading infection control guidance and working to align CMS and CDC guidance. Dr. Stone will answer member questions on how to interpret CDC guidance, and will discuss enrolling in and reporting to the NHSN, and the new independent commission.
 
FEMA PPE Distribution
Here’s the official FEMA announcement about the distribution of PPE to all Medicare and/or Medicaid certified nursing homes in the country. According to the release, shipments of the first 7 day supply are going out now and should arrive this week or next. The second shipment will go out in June. If/when you receive your shipment, please let us know by emailing Eric Essley ( eessley@leadingageIndiana.org ; and Lisa Sanders ( LSanders@leadingage.org )

CMS-CDC Reporting Start Date Pushed Out
CMS announces a new FAQ document on National Healthcare Safety Network enrollment and reporting. The start date for reporting has been pushed out to May 17 with a two week grace period to May 24.

Advocacy
LeadingAge will meet with HHS Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan on Friday. Among other things, Katie Smith Sloan will discuss aging services providers’ (across the continuum) desperate need for testing and PPE, as well as staffing shortages; and ask him for relief on these challenges. She’ll give him a picture of what we’re hearing from members about how things look for providers, their staff, and the people they serve. She’ll also push for answers to the questions we submitted about the Provider Relief Fund. In addition, she will raise our concerns about the double (or triple) reporting now required of nursing homes.
 
Recovery Tools for Affordable Housing Operations
As some housing providers pivot from crisis-management to recovery, HUD has encouraged the use of capacity building tools to safely shift operations. The toolkit offers several key worksheets for use by housing providers moving into the recovery phase.
 
Rural Housing Issues Resident Rent FAQ 
USDA Rural Development issued a Frequently Asked Questions document for residents in rural Multi-Family Housing properties. The FAQs are designed for tenants in Section 514 and Section 515 housing, and cover rent payments, evictions, stimulus checks, and unemployment.
 
Webinar on Combating Social Isolation for Seniors
Today (May 7) at 1:00PM (EST), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is hosting a webinar on Combating Social Isolation for Seniors during the COVID-19 Pandemic. A recording will also be made available after the webinar . Registration info here .
 
Ethical Decision-Making Virtual Session
There are still seats remaining in the May 14, 2:00 Eastern, free-to-members Ethical Decision Making Virtual Session. In this session, Michael Gillette will explore the simple and complex ethical decision-making leaders face during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for details and to register.
ISDH Updates
ISDH Weekly Call Reminder - Today
ISDH invites all LTC members to participate in a standing call every Thursday from Noon-1:00 Eastern to address successes and challenges, and to share information directly with staff from ISDH This is an opportunity for providers to express concern and ask questions directly to ISDH officials  LeadingAge Member participation is greatly encouraged
 
(PLEASE try to listen via your computer speakers as phone lines maybe limited)
Or dial 888-392-4560, code 73760#

COVID-19 Serology Q&A   (updated 5/05/20)