January 29, 2021
UPCOMING TPCA
TRAININGS & EVENTS
Behavioral + Physical Health Integration
in HIV Care 



Led by Stephen Raffanti, MD, MPH 
Taking a Sexual Health History and Prescribing PrEP

Led by: Sean Kelly, MD
TPCA Publications Available Online Now!
HHS Awards $90 Million to
Support Health Centers in
Addressing Hypertension Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities
On Tuesday, January 19, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), awarded nearly $90 million in funding to 496 health centers.

$2,419,680 of the funding was awarded to 10 community health centers in Tennessee:

  • Cherokee Health Systems
  • Christ Community Health Services
  • Dayspring Health
  • ETSU - College of Nursing Managed Health Centers
  • Hardeman County Community Health Center
  • Homeless Health Care Center of Chattanooga - Hamilton County Health Department
  • Memphis Health Center
  • Neighborhood Health
  • Three Rivers Community Health Group
  • Tri-State Community Health Center

HRSA-funded health centers will use these funds to increase the number of patients diagnosed with hypertension who have controlled blood pressure.

“Nearly 30 million people rely on HRSA-funded health centers for care, of which nearly 18 million are racial and ethnic minorities,” said HRSA Administrator Tom Engels. “The Health Center Program provides essential services for our nation’s most vulnerable and medically underserved populations—those who often do not have access to quality care. This means our health centers are uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of efforts to improve heart health and reduce disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among racial and ethnic minority communities by increasing the number of hypertensive patients with controlled blood pressure.”
COVID-19 RESOURCES
TDH Partners with Community Health Centers to Expand Access to COVID-19 Vaccination

The Tennessee Department of Health is expanding access to COVID-19 vaccination with a particular focus on rural and underserved areas. TDH is partnering with pharmacies and community health clinics to add more than 100 new vaccination sites across the state. Tennessee’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan remains focused on equity to ensure those with limited access to health care resources will be able to receive vaccinations when they meet eligibility criteria outlined in the plan.

“We’re eager to launch these partnerships to help bring the vital resource of COVID-19 vaccines to Tennesseans in communities most vulnerable to serious and lasting social and economic challenges due to the pandemic,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP.
Provider Relief Fund Reporting

The portal for community health centers' reports on how they have used Provider Relief Funds (PRF) is open.  The February 15 deadline for the first Provider Relief Fund report has been postponed and the Department of Health and Human Services has not yet set a new deadline. 

Definition of Lost Revenues 
The year-end spending package, enacted December 27, 2020, requires the Department of Health and Human Services to return to its original definition of “lost revenues” that it published on June 19. Under this definition, lost revenues under the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) are considered “any revenue that a health care provider lost due to coronavirus" calculated using "any reasonable method."
COVID-19 Vaccination Plan and TDH Resources

The Tennessee Department of Health continues to develop resources to help residents understand the distribution plan roll out.

This dashboard shows the number of vaccinations administered in the state, the percent of each county’s population that has been vaccinated, and vaccination by site type.

This document is updated daily and contains information on whether or not each county has vaccine available, based on the number of doses given by COB that day.


This tool allows individuals to project when they may receive the COVID-19 vaccine based on information including their county, age, and work place.
WEEKLY Open COVID-19 Webinar for Healthcare Professionals

Join the TN Department of Health for a weekly open Q&A webinar hour for health care professionals to ask questions about the Tennessee COVID-19 vaccine allocation and distribution plan and COVID-19 vaccines.

TDH provider calls occur every Friday.
TPCA COVID-19 Resources Page

TPCA created a COVID-19 Resources page that contains information and tools for health centers and the general public on a variety of COVID-19 related topics including TPCA’s COVID-19 Updates, human resources & operations, telehealth, and PPE.
Navigating COVID-19:
Why Medical Inventory Tracking Is More Important Than Ever

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a widespread impact on business organizations across the globe, and no industry has been more affected than health care delivery.

Medical practices have been forced to adapt quickly to greatly increased demands for personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitizing products, and other hygiene items, and many are still very vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. A recent article from the Annals of Surgery explained that the shortages of PPE and other essential equipment show just how important it is to have a centrally controlled inventory of medical supplies.

In addition to adapting to the new reality, medical practices should also be looking to the future and anticipating a greater need for vaccine stock management with the release of a COVID-19 vaccine.
TPCA MEMBER NEWS
Cempa Community Care Earns Governor’s Award Of Excellence For COVID-19 Efforts

Congratulations to the Cempa Community Care team for their Award of Excellence from Gov. Bill Lee for their role in bringing reliable and safe COVID-19 testing to numerous historically underserved communities across the Chattanooga area.
Dayspring Health, Inc. names Dr. Geogy Thomas as CEO

The board of Dayspring Health recently announced that Geogy Thomas, MD, has been named Chief Executive Officer at Dayspring. Dr. Thomas is also the chief medical officer.
STATE POLICY UPDATES
Tennessee General Assembly Concludes Special Session

The General Assembly concluded business during last week’s Special Legislative Session focused on addressing education challenges tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. The General Assembly passed a $160 million slate of bills, which includes teacher pay raises and efforts to address learning loss through summer programs, and establishes a new literacy program.
State of the State

Governor Bill Lee will deliver his State of the State address on February 8, during which he will outline his administration’s priorities and present his administration’s FY 2022 budget. 
TennCare Block Grant Passes TN General Assembly

On Thursday, January 28, TPCA held a session with TennCare to review the waiver amendment and address questions.

The TN General Assembly passed and Governor Lee signed the state’s Section 1115 waiver block grant amendment into law, making Tennessee the first state to pursue such an arrangement.
TennCare first submitted the proposal in November 2019.

The approved waiver changes the financing structure of Medicaid; the federal government will now cap how much money provided to the state based on historical spending, with adjustments for enrollment growth and inflation. The State can share in a portion of savings by spending below the cap and meeting certain quality metrics. In addition to a new financing structure, the State will receive new flexibilities in areas such as managing the pharmacy program and structuring benefits.

The incoming Biden administration will likely attempt to rescind the waiver, although CMS recently announced procedures that may make the process more challenging.

 
 
FEDERAL POLICY UPDATES
Public Health Emergency

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent information to governors noting the administration expects the Public Health Emergency to continue through the entirety of 2021, but will provide 60 days’ notice prior to the extension or termination of the emergency.
President Biden's COVID-19 Strategy Features Health Centers

President Biden released his administration’s strategy to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Community health centers feature prominently in the administration’s plan, which includes details about a new partnership with health centers.

Throughout the plan, there is an emphasis on health equity and meeting the needs of underserved populations, which notes community health centers as central to the effort to address disparities in COVID-19. The administration identifies new programs to ensure health centers can access COVID-19 vaccine supply, encourages jurisdictions to include health center in their response plans, and provides for technical assistance and other resources from HRSA to engage health centers in vaccination efforts.

The plan also references the role of health centers in expanding access to care including proposals to increase health center funding, although no specific amount is identified. President Biden also signed an Executive Order last week, Improving and Expanding Access to Care and Treatments for COVID-19, which directs HRSA and SAMSHA to expand access to care for patients who experience long-term conditions associated with COVID-19. 

 
COVID-19 Stimulus Package

The Biden administration released a $1.9 trillion spending package to address COVID-19, which referenced increased funding for health centers and funding to support expanded COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. The package also includes increased aid for the unemployed, rental assistance and eviction moratoriums, enhanced nutrition benefits, and child tax credits.

In addition, the plan includes expanded insurance subsidies under the ACA marketplace and subsidized premiums for unemployed who lost health insurance. Small businesses and state and local governments would also receive additional funding.

The proposal is the starting point for negotiations with Congress and is unlikely to pass without alterations.
340B

The Biden administration delayed the Trump administration’s rule requiring community health centers to charge the 340B price or less for Inulin and EpiPens for 60 days. The rule was originally set to go into effect on January 22, 2021. The delay will allow the Biden administration to further consider the rule and the administration is like to rescind the rule. 
NACHC 2021 Policy & Issues Forum
NACHC 2021 Policy & Issues Forum to Go Virtual

The National Association of Community Health Centers will host its 2021 Policy & Issues Forum in a virtual format, March 15-18, 2021.

Planning for the virtual 2021 Policy & Issues Forum is underway and promises to provide a full and productive program focused on a host of health center operational, clinical, governance and policy/advocacy areas.

Registration is open and the early bird rate ends February 22!
Learn more about partnering with TPCA in 2021
by contacting Susan Swartz at susan.swartz@tnpca.org!
ADDITIONAL NEWS & RESOURCES
2021 Tennessee Reportable Disease List

The 2021 List of Reportable Diseases in Tennessee, effective January 1, 2021, can be found at the following link: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/reportable-diseases.html. Included are the list of reportable diseases and guidance for healthcare providers and laboratories regarding reporting requirements.

Important changes in 2021 include:

Healthcare Providers/Facilities Only:
  • Polio is now immediately notifiable.
  • Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children is now explicitly reportable.
  • On the 2020 Commissioner’s Letter we notified you that reporting antibiotic use in acute care hospitals through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) will be required beginning in January 1, 2021. This requirement has now been delayed until January 1, 2022 due to the burden of the COVID pandemic on healthcare facilities. As this will require some planning, we are advising hospitals of this in advance to allow adequate preparation. [For more information: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/hai.html] 

Laboratories Only:
  • Colistin-resistant gram-negative bacteria are not explicitly reportable but are now contained under the general heading of pan-unsusceptible organisms.
  • Please see Detailed Laboratory Guidance for additional changes.
Buprenorphine for Adults with Substance Use Disorder and Co-Occurring Pain

Pain and substance use disorders (SUD) co-occur frequently, and access to medical treatment for both has been appreciably disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this webinar, consultants from the National Substance Use Warmline will provide a detailed discussion of buprenorphine, which can be used effectively for managing chronic pain in patients with SUD. Following this webinar, participants will be able to more confidently assess and manage pain in persons with opioid use disorder and other SUDs.

Wednesday, February 3, 2021
1:00 - 2:00 PM Eastern  
Addressing TN's HPV Vaccination Rates & Cervical Cancer Screening Webinar

Hosted by the American Cancer Society and the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, you are invited to join an educational event addressing Tennessee’s HPV vaccination rates, and the Society’s latest guidelines for cervical cancer screening.

During this educational Zoom event, attendees will hear from the American Cancer Society’s Debbie Saslow, PhD, Managing Director of HPV & GYN Cancers, about how the pandemic is affecting vaccination rates and how you can help make a difference. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and attendees will have the option to receive HPV vaccination posters and information for patients (while supplies last).

Tuesday, February 9, 2021
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Central
NACHC's All-Virtual 2021 Financial Operations Management (FOM) Training Series

Don't miss out on early registration rates for NACHC's All-Virtual Financial Operations Management (FOM) training series!

2021 Introduction to Community Health Center Finance 
February 9-10
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Central

Early bird deadline: January 26, 2021



2021 Financial Operations Management Level 1 (FOM 1) 
February 16-17
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Central

Early bird deadline: February 3, 2021
Medicare for Health Centers

Are you getting the most out of your Medicare program and payments? Join Feldesman + Tucker + Leifer + Fidell attorney Susannah Vance Gopalan and revenue cycle management expert Rebekah Wallace Pardeck for this leadership workshop designed specifically for community health centers.

February 9-11, 2021
Each day will begin at 11:00 AM Eastern  
Seeking RNs for Study on Brief Experience of
Nurses Working with COVID19 patients


UTHSC nurse researchers are seeking RNs who want to share their stories of caring for COVID-19 patients. These nurses will be interviewed as part of a study on the Grief Experience of Nurses working on the Frontlines during the COVID19 Pandemic.

Participation includes completing a brief survey and participating in a virtual focus group. To participate, the RN must meet the following criteria:
1. Be an RN working in an acute care facility providing direct care to COVID-19 patients.
2. Must have experienced at least one patient death from COVID-19.
3. Must have worked at least 24 hours per week for a minimum of 3 weeks.
4. Must have met all of the above criteria between March 2020–September 2020.

For more information or to participate in the study, please reach out to Dr. Susan Jacob, 901.289.2978, or Dr. Alexia Williams, 901.591.0524.

Those who complete the study will receive a $25 Target e-gift card.
Uniform Data System 2020 Reporting Due February 15, 2021

The Uniform Data System (UDS) reporting period for 2020 began on Friday, January 1, 2021. HRSA-funded health centers and Health Center Program look-alikes are required to submit complete and accurate UDS reports by Monday, February 15, 2021. Upon successful submission, we will assign your UDS report to a UDS reviewer who will work with you to finalize your data submission.

The 2020 UDS Manual includes detailed instructions for completing each of the tables and appendices, as well as information on how to submit the UDS through HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks. The Manual, COVID-19-specific guidance, and other UDS reporting resources are available on our UDS Resources webpage. The UDS Training website may also assist you in reporting.

Direct any electronic reporting questions to Health Center Program Support online or by phone: 877-464-4772, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday (except federal holidays). Direct all UDS content questions to the UDS Support Center: 866-UDS-HELP (866-837-4357) or udshelp330@bphcdata.net.
HRSA Challenge Competition to Address Declining Vaccination Coverage
and Well-Child Visits

HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau launched the Promoting Pediatric Primary Prevention (P4) Challenge competition last month to respond to declining rates of childhood vaccination coverage and well-child visits due to COVID-19.

The P4 Challenge will award $1 million in prizes for innovative approaches to increase access to and utilization of well-child visits and/or immunizations services within primary care settings. Partnerships with state and local organizations are encouraged, and submissions must include a primary care provider who delivers health services to children.

It’s easy to enter Phase I of the P4 Challenge. The only requirement is a 3-5-page concept paper. You can find guidance on the concept paper structure in the submission requirement section below.

  1. Sign up for updates Exit Disclaimer
  2. Read the submission requirements, eligibility rules, and evaluation criteria for the P4 Challenge.
  3. Webinar took place on January 15, 2021. A recording of the webinar along with the slides will be available soon.
  4. Develop your 3-5-page innovative approach.
  5. Submit your response along with this submission form (PDF - 322 KB) to MCHBP4Challenge@hrsa.gov by March 15, 2021 by 5:00 PM ET.

HRSA expects to select up to 50 Phase 1 winners and up to 20 Phase 2 winners.

Phase 1 submissions are due by March 15, 2021.
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This publication is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,830,669, with 15 percent financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.