Friends:
First, thank you for the quality care you and your teams continue to provide to Marylanders in need during this most recent surge of COVID-19 – especially for doing so while facing a much more contagious strain of the virus and with fewer staff than in previous surges. A board member posted a spot-on statement on social media this weekend and it caught my eye: “Here’s the thing about calling healthcare workers the ‘front line’…it implies there is a backup standing in wings should the frontline fail. There is no backup.”
Again, thank you for all you are doing! Words are inadequate, but thank you! Onward together!
Some important updates:
- On Governor Hogan’s testing requirement that goes into effect on 1/21, please know we continue to be in daily contact with MDH and the National Guard on testing and deployment of 100 National Guard members to our sector. At this point, it is projected that the Guard members will deliver tests and perhaps help administer them. The plan is the have the Guard deliver these tests, possibly as soon as this Thursday.
- Last week over 600 doses of Remdesivir were delivered by the Maryland Air National Guard to our LTC Pharmacies. When clinically appropriate, our sector must put these to use ASAP as a tool in the fight against COVID-19 (See more below).
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Please know that we are closely working with MDH on the disbursement of the $25 million grant dollars that Governor Hogan previously announced. MDH has agreed to 99 percent of our edits to the plain language grant letter of agreement. MDH has also said that those agreements must be returned to MDH with a “basic rudimentary” spending plan. More on this soon!
Skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers are largely funded by non-negotiable Medicare and Medicaid rates, based on occupancy/census. While federal payments (mostly in 2020 and some in 2021) and additional Maryland Medicaid payments sent in 2021 and coming in 2022 most certainly help, the truth is that as we approach the beginning of our third year fighting COVID-19, costs are through the roof and revenue is in the cellar. We continue to push for adequate funding for quality care. This is the time of year when Governors propose and legislatures approve state budgets. Please know that we are fighting and making our case on every front for needed and justifiable increases. And, AHCA/NCAL is doing the same in Washington, DC.
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As Always
- Focus on what is in your control and not what is out of your control.
- Let’s get those boosters and the flu vaccine in the arms of people.
- Overcommunicate – with residents, patients, families, staff, and government partners.
- Adapt and innovate.
- Rely on your partnerships.
- Speak up when you need help.
- Double efforts on infectious disease protocols, training, and operations.
- Take and document your action; keep a timeline.
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CLICK HERE for the Dr. Katz Video, and please see the Donning and Doffing Checklist we have been sharing.
Be well,
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Joe DeMattos
President and CEO
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Happening Today: AHCA/NCAL Webinar on Implementing the CMS Vaccine Mandate
AHCA/NCAL is hosting a webinar TODAY, January 18 at 5 PM ET to review nationwide implementation. The Association will review implementation deadlines, which employees are covered, required record keeping, and other aspects of implementing the interim final rule.
This webinar is available to AHCA/NCAL members only, and registration is limited. A recording will be available following the event.
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LTC State Reporting of COVID-19 Data
Per the FAQ: "In order to simplify the daily reporting requirement that is critical to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Congregate Care planning and operations, we have developed a streamlined, user friendly daily form. Beginning on February 1, 2022, all Maryland licensed SNFs are required to submit daily responses to the SNF Survey through the MDH Provider Portal (PROPS) by 2pm EST. The new format is significantly abbreviated."
Click here for instructions on how to complete the form.
Please note that MDH will be providing four information sessions regarding the new portal. These will be taking place on:
- Tuesday, January 18th (noon-1 pm) - Lunch and Learn
- Wednesday, January 19th (5pm-6pm) - Learning Session
- Thursday, January 208h (noon-1pm) - Lunch and Learn
- Friday, January 21st (8am- 9am) - Learning Session
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ICYMI: Nursing Home Transmittal No. 281 re. FY22 Supplemental Payment for Nursing Facilities
In accordance with Governor Hogan's approved FY 2022 Supplemental Budget, nursing facility providers will receive a one-time two percent rate supplement using American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. The Department will disburse these ARP funds as quarterly gross adjustment payments according to the schedule below.
Each facility will receive prospective payments based on the average quarterly reimbursement for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. This amount will represent payment in full; no retrospective adjustment will be made.
The Department's supplemental disbursement schedule is as follows:
- First and Second Quarters - September 2021
- Third Quarter - January 2022
- Fourth Quarter - April 2022
Questions regarding the rate supplement may be directed to Jarrod C. Terry, Assistant Director, Long Term Care Services at 410-767-6764 or jarrod.terry@maryland.gov.
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Remdesivir Distribution
KEY FACTS:
- Maryland is distributing 671 courses of Remdesivir to institutional pharmacies serving residents in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).
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The evidence to support remdesivir therapy comes from the recently published PINETREE study showing 87% efficacy compared to placebo against the endpoint of hospitalization and death.
- Remdesivir is currently approved by the FDA for use in hospitalized individuals, and outpatient treatment would be an off-label indication. Remdesivir is administered 200 mg IV on day 1, followed by remdesivir 100 mg IV daily on days 2 and 3, initiated as soon as possible and within 7 days of symptom onset in those aged ≥12 years and weighing ≥40 kg.
- CMS created HCPCS code J0248 for the Veklury (remdesivir) antiviral medication when administered in outpatient setting.
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Additional COVID-19 Updates
New COVID-19 Therapeutics Update: Please see this document from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) regarding new COVID-19 therapeutics and availability.
CMS QSO Memos to Enforce Vaccine Mandate in 49 States and DC: The U.S. Supreme Court has stayed the preliminary injunctions against enforcement of the CMS interim final rule. This means CMS can enforce its vaccine mandate in states previously exempted due to the stay, with the exception of Texas. CMS has released two QSO memos with separate deadlines for implementation. Read More
Updated CMS FAQ and Visitation Infographic Now Available: CMS has updated the Nursing Home Visitation FAQs to provide clarification to recent visitation guidance. It has also released an infographic on how to safely conduct visits to nursing homes. Read More
Public Health Emergency Extended: HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the declaration that a public health emergency exists. This is effective January 16, 2022 and will continue for 90 days pursuant to federal law. Read More
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Want to see previous HFAM updates?
Visit our website to view all previous HFAM alerts, as well as guidance
from our federal and state partners.
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