Coronavirus Update #88
MDH FAQ, NHSN Enrollment, PPE Supplier List, PPE Webinar
FAQ About Nursing Facility Orders and Support Efforts

Today, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) shared this memo regarding Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Facility Orders and Support Efforts . 

This memo addresses recent orders and directives regarding topics such as testing, staffing, reporting requirements, and personal protective equipment.

Additional information can be found at https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/   
NHSN Enrollment Delays & Tips

It is taking longer than anticipated for nursing homes to enroll in CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) due to high demand from the new CMS reporting requirements. The NHSN have recruited additional staff to reduce the processing time of enrollment requests.

Access detailed registration instructions for new facilities. Facilities are encouraged to review the Enrollment Guidance document for a more in-depth explanation of the enrollment process. Nursing homes should keep documentation of efforts made to enroll in NHSN. 

IMPORTANT NOTE : For the best experience and quicker access to the system, please be sure you are replying to a registration/enrollment email. Emailing the NHSN user support helpdesk will result in longer wait times for a reply. 

Additionally, NHSN is providing two live Zoom sessions to address enrollment specific questions. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
 
LTCFs COVID-19 Live Q&A Session for Module
and Enrollment Specific Questions 

Tuesday, May 12, 2020
1:00 PM (Eastern time) 
Thursday, May 14, 2020
2:00 PM (Eastern Time)
PPE Supplier List

Knowing whether a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplier is reliable is challenging these days with all the pop-up PPE suppliers and PPE scams . To assist members, AHCA/NCAL has developed a list of PPE suppliers that have recently served long term care providers . The list is not an endorsement or seal of approval of any particular PPE supplier, but can be used as a resource when PPE is not available through their ordinary supply chains. 
Members should keep in mind that PPE demand currently far exceeds PPE supply. Suppliers are facing unprecedented challenges obtaining PPE, so the suppliers on this list may not have PPE at the time they are contacted. These PPE suppliers are doing their best to fill orders as PPE shipments arrive or their PPE is manufactured. If a supplier is out of stock, ask when to check back. 
This list will be updated as more PPE suppliers are identified that have successfully delivered PPE supplies to AHCA/NCAL members during the pandemic. 
Webinar on PPE Use Next Week 

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) is hosting a town hall forum next week to answer frequently asked questions surrounding the use of Personal Protective Equipment in the care of COVID-19 patients. See how to register online below.

 
NETEC Webinar: PPE! You've Got Questions. We've Got Answers.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 
12:00 pm ET 
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.


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

If you have any questions, please email   [email protected]
Who are your healthcare heroes?
There are so many amazing stories of dedication, sacrifice, and compassion by long term care professionals who are going above and beyond to ensure the safety, health, and happiness of residents during this unprecedented time. These individuals are saving lives; they are heroes.

We want to hear your stories!

Please email [email protected]   to share a current story and picture of members of your team who are going above beyond to provide quality care during this unprecedented time. 
ADDITIONAL REMINDERS
Summary of CMS Reporting Requirements 

Our natioal partners at AHCA have developed a detailed summary of the QSO memo issued by CMS on May 6, 2020, including further information on: 

  • requirements for notifying residents, representatives, and families of COVID cases, 
  • NHSN reporting requirements, and 
  • survey and enforcement of these new requirements. 

Although CMS has provided clarification on some aspects of these new requirements in the memo, we continue to communicate with CMS and CDC on several outstanding issues and to advocate for needed flexibility including an extended grace period for NHSN reporting enforcement due to the current delays and backlogs in NHSN enrollment.
State Reporting Requirements

As you know, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) recently issued this nursing home reporting notice.

All Maryland nursing homes are required to submit daily reporting information through CRISP as required by COMAR 10.07.02.09L and Governor and Health Secretary orders and directives, issued during a declared State emergency and healthcare pandemic. Under Maryland Health General Article Sections 19-359 and 19-1401 et. seq., and COMAR 10.07.02.70 through .74, the Maryland Department of Health has the authority to impose a  civil money penalty   (CMP) based upon the existence of a deficiency at a nursing home.    The failure to comply with this directive constitutes a deficient practice.  

OHCQ will be monitoring compliance with this requirement on a daily basis and will issue daily CMPs for not reporting. Please ensure immediate and continued compliance.

Please note that the link in the MDH order does not link to the actual CRISP portal.    Form responses are only accepted between 12AM and 11AM eastern time.

This is the link to the reporting portal:


Should you have any questions, please contact: William (Bill) Hokemeyer, Jr. at 410.596.8205 or at [email protected]
Note on reporting:  In Maryland, HFAM and our partners at LeadingAge, LifeSpan, CRISP, and MHA are working to coordinate efforts. Expect a future webinar on reporting requirements. In the meantime, please review and adhere to the federal guidelines in addition to the required daily state reporting through CRISP.
Medline PPE Survey

Given the unprecedented demand due to COVID-19, Medline is working on forecasting future production and inventory. With so much change, please help Medline understand what you believe you need for the remainder of this year and 2021. Please take this survey. The more insight that Medline can gather the better.
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.