Coronavirus Update #161
MDH POC Testing Info Request, MDH Webinar Recap, Provider Relief Application Due Sunday, AHCA/NCAL Webinar Available, Additional Updates, and Healthcare Heroes Video
REMINDER: MDH Point of Care Testing Information Request

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) is currently trying to reconcile the Federal Government’s provision of Point of Care testing equipment to the Nursing Homes in Maryland. Efforts are underway to try and ensure that appropriate levels of inventory of testing kits are available in the State.
 
It is vital that MDH has this information, so please complete this brief questionnaire by close of business TODAY, Friday September 11.
As a reminder, please see the testing letter and recommendations that HFAM sent to Governor Hogan on August 17.
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:

  • Review current situation of COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Epi Updates
  • CMS and State Updates
  • Contact Tracing
  • Q&A


You can also view the webinar's Powerpoint presentation here.

In addition, as discussed on the call please see these supporting materials:

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Phase 2 Provider Relief Fund Application Deadline is This Sunday

If you are a private pay or Medicaid-certified assisted living/memory care community, ensure that you apply for the HHS Phase 2 General Distribution round of Provider Relief Funds. HHS announced last week that private pay AL operators are eligible to apply. Non-SNF Medicaid providers are also eligible. ​Note that the deadline for the application is this Sunday, September 13, and we do not expect this deadline to be extended.

Other COVID-19 Updates

CMS Issues COVID-19 Public Reporting Tip Sheet: CMS this week announced the posting of a COVID-19 Public Reporting Tip Sheet. The purpose of the tip sheet is to help providers understand the CMS public reporting strategy for the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) to account for CMS quality data submissions that were optional and excepted from public reporting due to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).  Read More
AHCA/NCAL Webinar Recording Available

The archived recording of CMS’s COVID-19 Performance Payment Program is now ready for you to view at your convenience.


  • Once the page opens, click on the “View Archived Recording" button on the right hand side of the page. The presentation will open in a new window for you to view and hear the program.

  • Click on the Handout tab to download your copy of the handouts and other available materials.

Note: For questions or support, please email [email protected]
Medline: Additional Gowns Available

Click HERE to view information on cover gowns available from Medline.
ICYMI: HFAM's Healthcare Heroes Video
Earlier this week, HFAM released the below video to thank you and your teams for all you continue to do during the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate all that you do and cannot thank you enough for your dedication to providing quality care to Marylanders in need. Please watch and share with your teams!
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.