Please keep reading our information because it changes every day. Below is the latest information provided to the association -- please note that we will continue to send updates as soon as we receive any new information.
COVID-19 UPDATE 42
July 23, 2020
Mark Your Calendar for today's AHCA Weekly Provider/Health & Regulatory Partner
Conference Call

Thursday, July 23, at 4:15 p.m. EST
Dial 1-866-951-1151 and enter Room Number 8484844#
*Please note there are limited lines available for this call.

As a reminder, all calls are recorded and posted to the FHCA website here .  
Return to Work Criteria Updated (DOH 7/20)

This week, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) released revisions to the Return to Work Criteria for Essential Personnel with Confirmed of Suspected COVID-19 (7/20). The revisions have been shared with County Health Departments.

Revisions mirror the Centers for Disease Control's Revised Criteria for Return to Work Recommendations (7/17) with the introduction of a bifurcated symptom-based Strategy and less reliance on the test-based strategy.

The DOH adds that "In an outbreak setting (e.g. long-term care facility), healthcare personnel with symptoms of COVID-19, who either test negative or are not tested, are to be managed as a case."

Discontinuance of Transmission-based Precautions Updated (DOH 7/20)

Similarly, DOH adopted the CDC's revised recommendations for Discontinuing Transmission-based Precautions and Disposition of Patients with COVID19 in Long-term Care Facilities. The strategies reflect those described in the Return to Work Criteria.

New from the Agency for Health Care Administration

Long-Term Care Facilities Transfers and Testing Updates (7/20) addresses common provider questions related to transitions of care, managing positive residents, DOH visits, and Curative Testing.


Hospital Screening Requirements for LTC Facility Residents (7/15) modifies the transition of care from hospitals to long-term care and residential facilities. Revisions include allowing hospitals to use the symptom-based strategy or a time-based strategy as part of their discharge considerations. The Agency also released a clarification document anticipating follow-up questions.



These policy updates were discussed in detail by FSLA staff during yesterday's Weekly Members-Only COVID-19 Update. Members missing the Zoom meeting may contact FSLA staff to request the audio recording; insert 7/22 Member's Only Zoom Recording in the email's Subject field and please include the organization name.
  INTRODUCING
TGI-FSLA: Fridays with Jason Hand
Coffee and Conversations
 
Fridays, from 8:30-8:50 EDT
 
Join us every Friday morning for a virtual cup of coffee and some candid interactive conversations about the issues facing senior living in Florida. These 20-minute sessions will be an informative look behind the curtain at how policy and rules are made and how to interpret this process effectively. Sign into Zoom so we can interact with you face-to-face and don't forget to bring your comments and questions.
 
Register Now to Participate
Participants in these Friday conversations will be able to purchase continuing education credits. One unit (1 hr) can be awarded for every three (3) meetings attended. Attendance will be verified by the virtual meeting platform. Sign up today and join us! Link to purchase credits coming soon.
 
**Please note: Participating in this meeting will require you to have a Zoom account. Zoom accounts are free and can be set up quickly. Click here for more info.
DATES AND TOPICS
Fridays, from 8:30-8:50 EDT
 
  • 7/24 - HB 767 Adverse Incident Reporting & Monthly Claim Reports
  • 8/7 - HB 767 Resident admission/retention
  • 8/14 - HB 767 Physical Restraints
  • 8/21 - HB 767 Assisting Residents – appointments, bandages and patches
  • 8/28 - HB 767 Inspection surveys rule removal – what it means
  • 9/4 - HB 767 Emergency Management Plan – and FSLA Hurricane Workgroup Update
  • 9/18 - HB 607 Direct care workers (monthly report)
  • 9/25 - HB 731 Agency For Health Care Administration
  • 10/2 - SB 664 Verification of Employment Eligibility
  • 10/9 - SB 400 Elder Abuse Facility Review Teams
  • 10/16 - 2020 Tort Bills That Died: HB 6029 – Punitive Damages; HB 9 – Damages; etc.
  • 10/23 - 2020 Other Bills That Died
  • 10/30 - Looking Ahead to the 2021 Legislative Session: Tort Reform; Covid-19 Package; ALF-centric issues; and other issues of interest to ALFs
  • 11/6 - Election Wrap-up
 
Sign up now and join us tomorrow morning!