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COVID-19 Updates: May 28, 2020
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This update includes:
- Testing and Cohorting: When & How?
- Innovative Methods to Keeping Residents Connected
- Revised 1135 Waiver Template for Nursing Homes
- CDC Website Updates
- Revised OSHA Policies
- PPE Supplier List
- FedEx is Giving $1 Million to Small Businesses
- Bureau of Assisted Living Regulatory Response to COVID-19 – Assisted Living Forum Tuesday, June 2, 2020
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As of today, there are 16,974 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Wisconsin and 550 deaths caused by the virus. Click
HERE
to view the latest outbreak information from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Click
HERE
to view COVID-19 projections for Wisconsin and the United States.
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Testing and Cohorting: When & How?
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Trying to figure out what to do about testing and cohorting can be a challenge. AHCA has created an
algorithm for testing and cohorting nursing home residents which incorporates the latest CDC guidance. The algorithm walks through three primary entry points for testing prior to deciding on who and how to cohort individuals. The entry points include testing residents who develop symptoms, testing all residents simultaneously, and testing new admissions. The algorithm also walks through how to cohort if the person(s) tested are in a single-person room or with roommates.
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Innovative Methods to Keeping Residents Connected
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AHCA/NCAL has prepared a
resource to help providers continue to keep residents connected to their loved ones. As visitation restrictions and social distancing continues, we need to find ways to keep people connected in-person when possible. Using an infection prevention and control mindset can help generate innovative methods to engage residents and families and fellow residents.
This resource is a starting point and intended to kick off additional ideas each center or community is able to try based on the status of COVID-19 in their building and in their community as well as the availability of necessary resources to support these innovative efforts. This resource can be used by nursing homes, assisted living communities and ICF/IID as each sees fit.
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Revised 1135 Waiver Template for Nursing Homes
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In the AHCA/NCAL guidance on
Where to Turn for Help, AHCA/NCAL shared information on and a customizable template for requesting a facility-level 1135 waiver. AHCA/NCAL has updated the
template due to CMS blanket waivers and guidance provided since they first shared the template.
Remember that while using this check-box format it is still important that you customize your waiver request to reflect your center’s needs and circumstances, as this will aid in CMS’s review and approval of your requests. This is a Word document, so you can make edits to include the items you need and to provide any additional explanation or rationale for your requests.
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On May 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated several of their webpages to be reflective of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updates on reopening guidance. The three webpages that were updated include:
Below is a summary of what was changed. Review your infection prevention & control procedures to ensure they are consistent with the latest guidance.
- Tiered recommendations to address nursing homes in different phases of COVID-19 response
- Added a recommendation to assign an individual to manage the facility’s infection control program – this is new. CDC strongly feels that “Facilities should assign at least one individual with training in IPC to provide on-site management of their COVID-19 prevention and response activities”, because of the breadth of activities for which an Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) program is responsible, including developing IPC policies and procedures, performing infection surveillance, providing competency-based training of HCP, and auditing adherence to recommended IPC practices.
- Added guidance about new requirements for nursing homes to report to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)
- Added a recommendation to create a plan for testing residents and healthcare personnel for SARS-CoV-2. Note, AHCA/NCAL provided recent guidance on testing which incorporate the latest from CDC.
- Additional descriptive information for certain areas like universal source control, hand hygiene, optimization of PPE, and the COVID unit section based on common questions received including:
- Removed language to move residents with symptoms or suspect COVID to an observation unit, if one was available, as this has been a point of confusion and has not been feasible for most facilities.
- CDC recommends creating a COVID unit for residents with confirmed COVID and, if possible, an observation area for new admissions with no known COVID history (those with known COVID would go to COVID unit), but recommend that if possible those with symptoms or suspect COVID-19 go to a private room. Testing should be prioritized for these individuals and, if positive, they would move to a COVID unit. PPE should be worn.
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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted
revised policies for enforcing OSHA’s COVID-19 requirements, which will become effective May 26, 2020. The
previous memorandum will be rescinded.
OSHA is increasing in-person inspections at all types of workplaces. In geographic areas with sustained elevated community transmission or a resurgence, OSHA will prioritize on-site inspections for high-risk workplaces, such as health care providers treating patients with COVID-19.
OSHA is also revising its previous enforcement policy for recording cases of COVID-19. Under OSHA’s record keeping requirements, COVID-19 is a recordable illness. Employers are responsible for recording cases of COVID-19 if the case:
Under the new policy issued, OSHA will enforce
recordkeeping requirements for employee COVID 19 illnesses for all employers. OSHA acknowledges the difficulty in determining whether a COVID 19 illness is work-related, especially when an employee has experienced potential exposure both in and out of the workplace. OSHA’s guidance emphasizes that employers must make reasonable efforts, based on the evidence available to the employer, to determine whether it would be considered work-related.
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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.
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FedEx is Giving $1 Million to Small Businesses
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FedEx is committing to provide $1 million in grants for small businesses (fewer than 50 employees and less than $5 million in 2019 revenue) in the U.S. Each grant recipient will receive $5,000, plus a $500 credit from FedEx Office. AHCA/NCAL members can apply through June 12th at
fedex.com/supportsmallgrants. But first, make sure you’re signed up for FedEx discounts through the AHCA/NCAL Shipping Program. If you’re not already taking advantage of this free benefit,
enroll today.
Through the AHCA/NCAL Shipping Program, managed by PartnerShip, members receive exclusive discounts with FedEx, including up to 29% off select FedEx Express services. There are no fees or minimum shipping requirements, simply great savings and great efficiency. To participate in the AHCA/NCAL Shipping Program and receive discounts of up to 29%, simply
enroll now or email
sales@PartnerShip.com to start saving today. Enrollment is free.
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Bureau of Assisted Living Regulatory Response to COVID-19 – Assisted Living Forum Tuesday, June 2, 2020
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
This session is conducted on Tuesdays from 10:00-11:30 a.m. until further notice. Please join on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.
To Join:
Meeting ID: 723 961 504
Or by Phone: +1 312 626 6799
Assisted living providers and stakeholders may submit questions to be addressed by completing this
survey no later than 4 p.m. the Friday before the forum.
Please use the question & answer (Q&A) feature within the Zoom meeting room to submit questions during the forum. Questions related to funding should be submitted to the Managed Care Organizations or Division of Medicaid Services.
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Pat Boyer, MSM, RN, NHA
| Director of Quality Advancement and Education |
pat@whcawical.org
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Business Partner Spotlight
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Navigator Group Purchasing, Inc.. is the largest and most experienced full-service GPO exclusively focused on senior living. Members gain access to a full range of programs, tools, and services to help them achieve their resident and financial goals.
As a full-service GPO, we have a complete services offering including: Group Purchasing, Data Analytics, Emerging Market Trends, Quality Metrics, Resident Satisfaction, Culinary Consulting Services, Software Solutions, and Advocacy and Legislative.
Operating as part of Managed Health Care Associates, Inc. (MHA), we conduct our business in accordance with the Mission and Vision that unify all MHA companies and solutions:
Mission
MHA is committed to deliver excellent value and enable the success of our Members, Customers and Business Partners in the alternate site health care setting. Through the use of innovative technology, solutions and services MHA assists in managing health care costs, improving operational efficiencies and supporting business growth.
Vision
To be recognized as the leader in delivering value through innovative technology, solutions and services to our Members, Customers and Business Partners by providing exceptional service through extraordinary people.
CONTACT:
Navigator Group Purchasing
Laurie Jochmann
800-642-3020
For the complete listing of WHCA/WiCAL Gold Business Partners, click
HERE
!
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