COVID-19 UPDATE #194
October 1, 2021
PRF PHASE 4 AND RURAL DISTRIBUTION APPLICATION OPEN
The Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 4 and Rural Distributions application webpage is now live. It offers an array of guidance and new educational opportunities, including additional webinar dates in October. Notable materials are: 

The application will close on October 26, 2021, at 8:59 PM PST. Applications must undergo a number of validation checks before financial information is submitted. Providers are encouraged to begin their application as soon as possible to ensure they are able to meet the deadline. Information on the documents and information needed to apply can be found in the resources following.

In order to streamline the application process and minimize administrative burdens, providers will apply for both programs in a single application. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) will also use existing Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program, and Medicare claims data in calculating portions of these payments.

Other HRSA resources include: 

HRSA also updated its searchable FAQs and the FAQ Document adding Phase 4 and Rural Distribution eligibility and application FAQs as well as new PRF Reporting FAQs.

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has included the new FAQs on Phase 4 and Rural Distributions and updated Reporting FAQs which can be accessed here (requires AHCA/NCAL membership credentials). On October 5, AHCA/NCAL will post a pre-recorded webinar on application tips. 
DOH PROVIDES UPDATED GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS
The Department of Health (DOH) has updated three guidance documents relevant to long term care COVID-19 response. The update guidance documents have been posted and are available now. Click on the title links below to review the updated materials.

Experts and leaders at DOH continue to update all other guidance documents, and we will continue to notify you of any additional updated guidance documentation. The Department of Health will be reviewing changes in these documents such as quarantine and testing, during the upcoming trainings being held next week in conjunction with the Long Term Care Safe Start Plans. DSHS and DOH will be offering two presentations to give providers the opportunity to learn more about the updates and to ask questions.

Providers are invited to join one of the sessions. 

Please note the Thursday presentation is the weekly session already provided by DSHS and DOH with the time extended to allow for Q&A. If you already participate in those weekly calls, you do NOT need to sign up again. Please join the call using the same link you regularly use.
DSHS ISSUES LETTER ABOUT VACCINE MANDATE REQUIREMENTS IN LONG TERM CARE
A Dear Administrator letter dated September 28, 2021, addresses questions about medical and religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccination mandated in Governor's Proclamation 21-14. The mandate applies to employees in both assisted living and skilled nursing. The letter outlines general expectations for complying with the vaccine mandate and attempts to answer some of the frequently asked questions regarding medical and religious exemptions. The letter reminds providers that any individual who is not fully vaccinated by October 18, 2021, may no longer be on the work schedule as of October 19, 2021. If a religious or medical exemption request is approved, the letter outlines things to consider when creating an accommodation to ensure the safety of residents and staff who work with individuals granted an exemption.

The letter informs providers that Residential Care Services (RCS) will not conduct vaccine focused inspections. Provider compliance with the proclamation will be confirmed during routine licensing inspections, surveys, certification evaluations, complaint investigations related to the vaccine mandate, and focused infection control surveys. Enforcement related to the vaccine mandate will follow standard procedures which may include consultation, citation, or further action depending on the specific situation. Providers may email questions to rcspolicy@dshs.wa.gov if they have questions.
AL AND SNF PROVIDERS NOTIFIED OF EXTENSION OF INCENTIVES FOR ACCEPTING PATIENTS FROM ACUTE CARE HOSPITALS
In a Dear Administrator letter (AL) amended September 30, 2021, assisted living providers are notified that DSHS, Home and Community Services (HCS) Division, received approval to extend the incentives to assisted living facilities that accept new resident admissions from acute care hospitals through October 31, 2021. The letter contains the admissions incentive amounts and calculation summary as well as instructions on how to claim the admission incentive. A Dear Administrator letter (SNF) amended September 30, 2021, addressed to skilled nursing providers also shares the updated admission incentive extension through October 31, 2021.
COMAGINE PROVIDES TIP SHEET FOR SNFs ON NHSN COVID-19 DATA REPORTING
Comagine has created a guidance and problem-solving document to help providers as they report COVID-19 data via NHSN. They utilized information from various resources created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The document contains many tips, tools, examples, and links to additional resources. Many thanks to Comagine for sharing this valuable tool with us.
CONGRATULATIONS TO IMMUNIZATION CHAMPIONS
WHCA congratulates our member facilities who achieved Gold, Silver, and Bronze LTC COVID-19 Immunization Champion Awards! The awards recognize communities with the highest percentage of vaccination for their commitment to reduce barriers for employee COVID-19 vaccination.

Gold – 90% or Higher Coverage Rates
Aegis at Callahan House
Aegis Gardens at Newcastle
Aegis Lodge of Kirkland
Aegis of Queen Anne on Galer
Aegis of Queen Anne at Rodgers Park
Aegis Senior Inn of Kent
Aegis Senior Living of Shoreline
Aegis Living of West Seattle
Ballard Center
Issaquah Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Kline Galland Home
Manor Care Health Services - Lynnwood
Mission Healthcare at Renton
Queen Anne Healthcare
Saint Anne Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Shelton Health and Rehabilitation
Soundview Rehabilitation and Healthcare
Summit Place Assisted Living
Washington Care Center

Silver – 80-89% Coverage Rates
Burien Nursing and Rehab
Christian Health Care Center
Life Care Center of Federal Way
Life Care Center of Kennewick
Park West Nursing & Rehab
Rainier Rehabilitation
Regency Harmony House
Timber Ridge at Talus
Woodland Care Center
Woodland Assisted Living

Bronze – 70-79% Coverage Rates
Avalon Care Center at Northpointe
Bainbridge Island Health & Rehab
Good Samaritan Society - Spokane Valley
Puget Sound Healthcare
Puyallup Health & Rehabilitation
Regency Coupeville
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
WHCA continues to post resources and information as it becomes available on our website. If you have questions or need additional information, please call the WHCA office at (800) 562-6170.