Wednesday, May 13, 2020
COVID-19 Updates and Resources for WALA Members
Recognizing Heroes in Assisted Living
Earlier today, WALA sent a "Letter to the Editor" to 7 major media markets in Wisconsin to recognize and thank the front line workers in assisted living communities around the state who are tirelessly caring for the most vulnerable.

You can click below to read the letter that was sent to media outlets, including:
  • Wisconsin State Journal
  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
  • Wausau Daily Herald
  • Green Bay Press Gazette
  • La Crosse Tribune
  • Eau Claire Leader - Telegram
  • Ashland Daily Press
DHS Releases COVID-19 Health Alert #8
Evolving testing priorities for asymptomatic people; new CDC recommendations for discontinuation of isolation
On May 8th, Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) released guidance adopted from the CDC. In summary:

  • Wisconsin DHS and CDC now prioritize COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic people in a wider range of scenarios to support the public health response. This change reflects both growing testing capacity and the wider recognition of the importance of asymptomatic and presymptomatic transmission.
  • DHS and CDC have revised recommendations about discontinuation of isolation for patients with COVID-19 in health care and non-health care settings. The recommended duration of isolation has been extended to be at least 10 days from the date symptoms first appeared.
Detailed information about this alert can be obtained from DHS by clicking below.

You can sign up for DHS updates by subscribing the to the COVID-19 Health Alert Network.
DQA Quarterly Information Updates Now Available
The Division of Quality Assurance has released its Quarterly Information Update. View the document by clicking below. Previous updates are available here.
National Senior Living Association Argentum Priorities Included in House Democrats COVID-19 Response Bill
House Democrats, led by Speaker Pelosi, released their proposed legislation for the next COVID-19 response package— H.R. 6800 , the  Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act . The $3 trillion proposal is largely intended as a messaging bill to signal the priorities of the House Democrats and to serve as an opening round of negotiations with Senate Republicans, who given the wide-ranging wish list included in the legislation, immediately pronounced it dead-on-arrival. While it will not be enacted as drafted, Argentum was pleased to see the inclusion of many of our priorities in this package and will continue to advocate for their inclusion in the final compromise bill.
 
The legislation includes the following provisions:
  • An additional $100 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (PHSSEF or “provider fund”), bringing the total to $275 billion. Eligible health care providers would apply directly to HHS for funds, which would be distributed quarterly based on costs reported by providers, at 60% of lost revenues over the prior year and 100% of COVID-related costs (equipment, tests, training and workforce retention). Senior living would continue to be eligible for these funds; however, there is not a specific designated portion of the fund allocated for senior living as we have requested. We are working closely with HHS on the distribution of existing funds and will continue to seek funding specifically designated for senior living or long-term care in the compromise package.
  • Assisted living providers who participate in Medicaid through a state plan or Home and Community Based Services waiver would be eligible for 200% of the total amount of reimbursement received during the quarter for all items and services furnished.
  • An additional $75 billion for testing, contact tracing, and isolation measures, as well as additional funding for personal protective equipment for essential workers. We will continue to ask that senior living operators be prioritized for test kits and PPE.
  • The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) would be expanded to allow all 501(c) non-profit entities with fewer than 500 employees to be eligible. The funds would be available through December 31, 2020 and could cover 24 weeks, up from the existing eight weeks. Our request that the PPP be extended to allow businesses with NAIC codes beginning with 62 (Health Care and Social Assistance) to be eligible for any location with fewer than 500 employees, rather than collectively across all locations was not included.
  • A Heroes Fund would provide $200 billion to essential workers, including those working in senior living.
  • Additional economic and unemployment assistance would be provided through a second round of direct economic impact payments ($1,200 per individual, up to a $6,000 household maximum) and extending the $600/week of federal unemployment payments through next January.
  • New workplace health and safety requirements enforced by OSHA for workplaces to develop and implement infection control plans based on CDC expertise, and prohibiting retaliation against employees who report infection control problems.