Coronavirus Update #74
Nursing Home Data, Call Check for Seniors, Healthcare Heroes
Gov. Hogan Directs MDH to Release Nursing Home Data

Governor Larry Hogan yesterday directed the Maryland Department of Health to take the necessary steps to publish data related to COVID-19 cases and deaths associated with nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Starting this afternoon, MDH will publish a list of congregate living facilities (i.e., nursing homes, assisted living facilities, state and local facilities and group homes with 10 or more occupants) that have confirmed COVID-19 cases  to  coronavirus.maryland.gov .

The list will include the facility name, jurisdiction, number of cases and number of deaths and will be updated weekly. Facilities will be removed from the list as it is determined that the cases have been cleared.
As we have previously shared, MDH issued a  directive and order for nursing homes regarding reporting requirements.

Per this directive, in addition to all current reporting requirements to state and local health departments, all facilities shall report specified information to the Chesapeake Regional Information System for Our Patients (CRISP) and any designated contact point within the appropriate local health department.

Nursing homes can input information via this link:

Please note that this link is outside of the CRISP clinical information website and is a direct link to the required information website.
Senior Call Check

Have you heard about this resource from the Maryland Department of Aging? Call or register online for a loved one 65+ to receive a free daily check in call.
Healthcare Heroes - Thank you!
Thank you to all of the frontline heroes who continue to be dedicated and an inspiration during these unprecedented times. Thank you for your commitment on a daily basis!
^ Staff at Restore Nursing and Rehabilitation Center working hard against COVID-19. ^
^ Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation rising to the challenge. ^
^ Forest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center staying strong and working together. ^
Who are your healthcare heroes?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing home and assisted living healthcare workers are proving themselves not just essential workers, but frontline heroes. From managing a virus that can be spread without symptoms, to dealing with a shortage adequate testing and PPE, to being forced to rightfully isolate residents from families and loved ones, these challenges are immense, unprecedented, and heartbreaking. Nursing home and assisted living healthcare heroes are truly working hard and doing all they can to save lives.

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 current story and picture of members of your team who are going above beyond to provide quality care during this unprecedented time. 
CMS COVID-19 Stakeholder Engagement Calls – Week of 4/27/20

CMS hosts varied recurring stakeholder engagement sessions to share information related to the agency’s response to COVID-19. These sessions are open to members of the healthcare community and are intended to provide updates, share best practices among peers, and offer attendees an opportunity to ask questions of CMS and other subject matter experts.

Call details are below. Conference lines are limited so you are highly encouraged to join via audio webcast, either on your computer or smartphone web browser. Calls recordings and transcripts are posted on the CMS podcast page HERE .

 
CMS COVID-19 Office Hours Calls (Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 – 6:00 PM Eastern)
Office Hour Calls provide an opportunity for hospitals, health systems, and providers to ask questions of agency officials regarding CMS’s temporary actions that empower local hospitals and healthcare systems to:
  • Increase Hospital Capacity – CMS Hospitals Without Walls;
  • Rapidly Expand the Healthcare Workforce;
  • Put Patients Over Paperwork; and
  • Further Promote Telehealth in Medicare
 
Tuesday, April 28th at 5:00 – 6:00 PM Eastern
Toll Free Attendee Dial In: 833-614-0820; 
Access Passcode: 5787874
 
Thursday, April 30th at 5:00 – 6:00 PM Eastern
Toll Free Attendee Dial In: 833-614-0820; 
Access Passcode: 7476619
 

Lessons from the Front Lines: COVID-19 (Fridays at 12:30 – 2:00 PM Eastern)
Lessons from the Front Lines calls are a joint effort between CMS Administrator Seema Verma, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, MD, and the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Physicians and other clinicians are invited to share their experience, ideas, strategies, and insights with one another related to their COVID-19 response. There is an opportunity to ask questions of presenters.

Friday, May 1st at 12:30 – 2:00 PM Eastern
Toll Free Attendee Dial-In: 877-251-0301; 
Access Code: 9545128


Weekly COVID-19 Care Site-Specific Calls
CMS hosts weekly calls for certain types of organizations to provide targeted updates on the agency’s latest COVID-19 guidance. One to two leaders in the field also share best practices with their peers. There is an opportunity to ask questions of presenters if time allows.
 
Nursing Homes (Wednesdays at 4:30 PM Eastern)
Wednesday, April 29th at 4:30 – 5:00 PM Eastern
Toll Free Attendee Dial-In: 833-614-0820; 
Access Passcode: 4680237

Dialysis Organizations (Wednesdays at 5:30 PM Eastern)
Wednesday, April 29th at 5:30 – 6:00 PM Eastern
Toll Free Attendee Dial-In: 833-614-0820; 
Access Passcode: 6965645
 
Nurses (Thursdays at 3:00 PM Eastern)
Thursday, April 30th at 3:00 – 3:30 PM Eastern
Toll Free Attendee Dial-In: 833-614-0820; 
Access Passcode: 4268398
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.