Coronavirus Update #125
Update from HFAM

Friends:

The sector received today State amended orders on testing and visits, along with yesterday improved orders for observation related to transfers and hospital visits. These orders advance common sense best practice policies and will evolve over time, as all orders have during this pandemic .  We will continue to advocate driven by clinical best practices, the lessons from other states, with the guidance of members, and our partnership with AHCA/NCAL.

Recap of new guidance and orders from this week:







Keep in mind:

  • Getting another statewide round of universal testing logistically done and paid for by the state is a common sense and generous win; we asked the state to continue testing. The Paul Harvey “rest of the story” is that there was a bunch of pressure behind the scenes for the State of Maryland to be “one and done” and get out the universal testing business for our critical sector, just as many other states have done.

  • Think of this round of testing as another round of the National Guard tests, but this time nursing homes will actually call the designated state lab directly and order the tests; and this round of testing will be coordinated at MDH (not with the Guard).

  • Although with lower positivity rates than in April, there are still isolated nursing home COVID-19 hotspots; they will get testing priority.

Additionally and to restate:

  • Swabs and tests will be provided by the State, and sent to a state lab (perhaps the new U of M Lab).
  • Again, this round of testing will be at no cost to centers.
  • Test results will be expected reported back to the state.

As a final reminder, use   MDH secure upload   to return your completed rosters and complete the mitigating action questionnaire and attestation by 6pm TODAY to avoid potential penalty.  See this memo for more information.
Joe DeMattos
President and CEO
Healthcare Heroes - Thank You

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing home and assisted living healthcare workers have proven themselves to be not just essential workers, but frontline heroes who are truly working hard and doing all they can to save lives.
 
We have realized more than ever that for our best teams in long-term and post-acute care, this work is a calling. There are many amazing stories of dedication, sacrifice, and compassion by long-term care professionals who continue to go above and beyond to ensure the safety, health, and happiness of residents and patients during this unprecedented time.

Here are just a few of many who have gone above and beyond to save lives and protect the safety, health, and well-being of Marylanders in need. THANK YOU!
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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.