New studies have suggested that Hydroxychloroquine is not effective, and actually harmful, in the treatment of COVID-19. The
study determined that the side effects were significant, and that a test group that did not receive Hydroxychloroquine actually fared better than a group that had received the drug. The National Institute of Health has now
advised against using the drug regimen of Hydroxychloroquine and
azithromycin
.
More background can be found
here
.
While we are not medical doctors, we caution against using these medications in our population at this time.
Self-Direction Guidance
OPWDD has advised that staff who support people through Self-Direction may be paid through the retainer day methodology, however the individual must not exceed their Personal Resource Account (PRA). Formal guidance on this will be forthcoming from OPWDD. Additionally, OPWDD has advised that Personal Protective Equipment for staff who support people in Self-Direction may be paid for through the Other Than Personal Services (OTPS) portion of the Self-Direction budget.
CMS Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers: ICFs
It is important to note that we have no yet received any guidance from OPWDD on waiver of any ICF requirements. However, it is likely that guidance will be forthcoming following the federal waivers.
NADSP Survey
The National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), in partnership with the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota, is conducting a survey of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The goal of the survey is to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on DSPs and identify the most effective ways to protect DSPs and the people they support. The results of this survey will be shared widely with policymakers, services providers, direct support professionals, families, and stakeholders.
We encourage all Chapters to distribute the survey to their DSPs. The survey can be completed here.
As a reminder, NADSP has several great resources for DSPs on COVID-19 which can be found
here.
Barclay Damon Webinar: COVID-19 - Reporting to OSHA
On Tuesday, April 28, Barclay-Damon LLP will be conducting a webinar on reporting to OSHA. Information and registration can be found
here.
