CMS Issues New Strict Guidance on Nursing Home Visitors
CMS has announced new strict restrictions on nursing home visitation with very limited exceptions. The announcement was made this afternoon soon after the President declared a state of emergency. We will forward the CMS bulletin as soon as it is released. DPH is expected to issue similar guidance today.
We urge members to review their visitor restriction signage to ensure it conveys a reassuring message and to continue to reassure residents and families that the visitor restrictions are being done in the best interest of the health and safety of all residents. The LTC Ombudsman will be providing a new letter for family and residents.
LTC Ombudsman Contact Information
As the state offices begin to move toward a more remote workforce, the LTC Ombudsman wants to inform you that while their phone lines will remain open, they are asking that information regarding involuntary/discharge notices be sent by email rather than by fax. The email address is
LTCOP@ct.gov.
Reminder: Nursing Homes Directed to Report Supplies
DPH is requesting that all nursing homes report on their supplies and vendors via the facility page on the LTC-MAP website by today, Friday, March 13.
DSS Provider Bulletins on New Telemedicine Coverage
DSS DXC PB 2020-09 CMAP COVID-19 Response - Bulletin 1: Emergency Temporary Telemedicine Coverage:
The Department of Social Services (DSS) issued a Provider Bulletin highlighting an interim measure in response to the Governor's recent declaration of a public health emergency as the result of the outbreak of COVID-19. DSS is temporarily expanding portions of telemedicine coverage effective for dates of service from March 13, 2020 until the Department has notified providers in writing that the state has deemed COVID-19 no longer to be a public health emergency.
View Bulletin
DSS DXC PB 2020-10 CMAP COVID-19 Response: Temporary Expansion of Emergency Temporary Telemedicine Coverage:
Provider Bulletin 2020-10 temporarily expands portions of telemedicine coverage effective for dates of service from March 13, 2020 until DSS has notified providers in writing that the state has deemed COVID-19 no longer to be a public health emergency.
View Bulletin
State Police Barracks are Back On-Line to Do Fingerprinting
The state police announced earlier today that they were planning to temporarily suspend fingerprinting services. However, DPH was alerted and the fingerprinting services were restored. If you have any issues, you can contact DPH at 860-509-8366.
Infection Control Policy Template
LeadingAge Iowa has shared a
policy template they have developed for COVID-19 Infection Control that we thought might be helpful to use as a resource.
