COVID-19 Update #252
HFAM Update: Spring Renewal, Policy, Vaccines, and More

Friends:
 
Last week as we began Pesach and I entered this important week with my family, I wrote: “For those who celebrate with family this weekend, we are reminded of escape, deliverance, and hope. As we recite the four questions this year, let us remember our past lessons and the hope we have in our individual and collective futures. Chag Pesach Sameach from the team at HFAM.” As we approach Shabbat and Passover comes to an end, we all recognize that we are in a continued period of learning, reflecting, and creating what will be in this time of Spring. In all of this, HFAM and AHCA/NCAL wish you and your families wellness, health, and safety. 
 
As is the case during Spring each year, this is a time of hope, renewal, redemption, and divine grace. For those among us who observe Good Friday and celebrate Easter, we send many blessings to you during this time of hope, joy, and renewal.
 
On the important policy front, we continue to work with Governor Hogan, his team, and local and federal leaders on important issues of quality, workforce support, reform, and funding. We have advanced concrete policy proposals with these leaders. In the last two weeks of the 442nd session of the Maryland General Assembly, we are diligently working with legislative leaders, colleagues in other associations, and others on a handful of very vital issues, including visitation and workforce. Here is an op-ed that I penned and which was published in today’s Daily Record.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are just off the phone with MDH Secretary Dennis Schrader, Kevin Heffner, and Allison Ciborowski talking about vaccines. As we all alerted last week, the Maryland National Guard Tactical Teams have begun offering the COVID-19 vaccine to new residents and staff. Additionally, Remedi SeniorCare and the pharmacy collective MHA have been allocated vaccines for our sector and are beginning that process. Finally, Maryland hospitals have been allocated large supplies of the J&J vaccine to administer to patients being discharged to our sector. I’m impressed by the hands-on leadership being demonstrated by MDH Secretary Schrader on the vaccine front.
 
Here is what we must do now that vaccines are again becoming available in our sector: We MUST work with our teams in our centers, peer to peer, to increase staff uptake and reduce hesitancy of the vaccine.
 
AS ALWAYS: 
 
  • People first, quality counts.
  • Be prepared to deploy people and PPE around your organization.
  • Our sector MUST double our efforts on infectious disease protocol, staffing, and PPE.
  • Train, train, and train teams again on infectious disease protocol.
  • Recognize that COVID-19 fatigue is an issue across the county, not just in our sector.
  • Overcommunicate with residents, patients, families, staff, and government partners.
  • Sound alarms early.
  • Work with your hospital partners, and coordinate with local and state regulatory partners.
  • Take and document your action; keep a timeline.
  • CLICK HERE for the Dr. Katz Video, and please see the Donning and Doffing Checklist we have been sharing.


Be well,
Joe DeMattos
President and CEO
Important: Register for ImmuNet
As we have previously shared, it will be important for providers in our sector to register with ImmuNet so that the State may allocate the vaccine directly to nursing homes and others.
The ImmuNet Help Desk email is: mdh.mdimmunet@maryland.gov
MDH Webinar Recap

Yesterday, the Maryland Department of Health held a webinar call to update the long-term care sector on COVID-19 developments and best practices. The call was recorded, in case you were unable to join or would like to review the topics discussed, which included:

  • COVID-19 Epi Summary
  • Updated CDC Guidance
  • Animals and COVID-19
  • Vaccine Updates
  • MDRO Colonization Screenings
  • Lab Web Portal Training (Part 1)
  • FAQs

You can also view the webinar's PowerPoint presentation here and the chat box here.

If you have any questions, please email mdh.ipcovid@maryland.gov.
The 2021 HFAM Conference “Together We Re-Imagine” will be held in person October 4 – 7, 2021 at the Maryland Live Hotel and Casino in Hanover, Maryland. Hundreds of long-term care leaders will connect, share best practices and discuss actionable insights on how we can reflect, reform, rebuild, and revolutionize quality care. You and your teams will not want to miss this opportunity as we come together again.

Visit the conference website to learn more and register.
Thank you to our current sponsors!
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from our federal and state partners.
Health Facilities Association of Maryland WW.HFAM.ORG