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Hello, just a reminder you are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in the West Virginia Primary Care Association. Don't forget to add
paula.beasley@wvpca.org to your
address book, so you don't miss any issues of the WVPCA Weekly Outlook!
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WVPCA Weekly Outlook Newsletter
A Newsletter on Community Centered Healthcare
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Quick Links: In This Issue.....
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'I Can't Turn My Brain Off': PTSD and Burnout Threaten Medical Workers
Read the entire article from The New York Times
here.
Black leaders in Eastern Panhandle worried WV playing politics with minority health group
Read the entire article from
Charleston Gazette Mail
here.
If 80% of Americans Wore Masks, COVID-19 Infections Would Plummet, New Study Says
Read the entire article from Vanity Fair
here.
Read the entire article from FOXNews
here.
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HHS Provides $225 Million for COVID-19 Testing in Rural Communities
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provided $225 million to Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) for COVID-19 testing. These investments will support over 4,500 RHCs across the country to support COVID-19 testing efforts and expand access to testing in rural communities. Rural Health Clinics are a special designation given to health care practices in underserved rural areas by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that help ensure access to care for rural residents.
This funding is through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act that President Trump signed into law on Friday, April 24, 2020 which specifically directed these monies to be allocated to RHCs. HRSA funded RHC organizations based on the number of certified clinic sites they operate, providing nearly $50,000 per clinic site.
"Today's funding provides rural health clinics with resources and flexibility to boost their testing capabilities to fight COVID-19," said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "Further expanding testing capacity, including at RHCs, is a crucial element of safely reopening our country and helping Americans return to work and school. A safe reopening is vital for Americans' health and well-being, and especially so for those living in rural areas, who may have struggled with access to healthcare long before COVID-19 and found care even harder to access during this crisis."
HRSA is also awarding $500,000 to support technical assistance efforts to the RHCs as they expand testing capabilities. This includes activities such as conducting webinars, providing resources and guidance for implementation and management of testing programs.
Click here to view a state-by-state breakdown of this funding.
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Making Contact: COVID-19 Contact Tracers Training
Introductory online course for entry-level COVID-19 contact tracers, for use by health agencies in rapid training of new contact tracers. The training will be augmented by state/local specific training required to orient individuals to jurisdiction-specific protocols. This training focuses on building knowledge for remote contact tracing; a subsequent release will include a module on field services. REGISTER HERE
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HRSA Launches New User-Friendly COVID-19 Information Webpage
HRSA and Health Center Program COVID-19 related resources, helpful links and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are now in one place with new search and filter features to help access information in the FAQs. HRSA will continually update the information on this page, as well as the information on the
separate page for FAQs related to COVID-19 funding.
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The agency said some scientific studies have identified accuracy issues with Abbott's ID NOW test and it is looking into whether it could be due to the types of swabs used or how specimens were transported. The agency emphasized that these studies do have limitations, such as small sample size, and that tests might not have been carried out following the instructions.
The FDA said it is investigating 15 adverse event reports of false negatives and it is working with Abbott to analyze the information. It also collaborated with the company to send a letter alerting that negative tests results inconsistent with a patients' symptoms should be confirmed with another test.
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updated a video that answers common questions about the expanded Medicare telehealth services benefit during the COVID-19 public health emergency. New information includes the addition of services to the list of telehealth services, additional practitioners who can provide telehealth services, information about audio-only telehealth services and the new distant site services that Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) can provide.
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OSHA Supported PPE Training
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COVID-19/ NOVEL CORONAVIRUS Pandemic
As you know, information on coronavirus is changing daily. The WVPCA is working with Federal, State, and local health officials in emergency preparedness activities as well as disseminating appropriate and current information to our Community Health Centers. This includes up-to-date resources and policies to ensure the continued health and safety of the communities we serve.
Guidance and resource information can be found on the WVPCA website here and coronavirus.gov.
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WVPCA News
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MANCHIN APPLAUDS FCC APPROVAL OF LPCC TELEHEALTH PROGRAM APPLICATION
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval of Lincoln County Primary Care Center's application for $967,304 to procure telehealth carts, network hardware and software upgrades, and diagnostic equipment to provide telehealth services to West Virginians at 18 rural sites during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the Financial Services & General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees the FCC's budget, Senator Manchin helped support $200 million in funding for the telehealth pilot program through the CARES Act.
"Healthcare providers and patients have adjusted to new care systems due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including telephone-based appointments and video-based meetings between providers and patients," said Senator Manchin. "On April 17th,
I wrote to the FCC to advocate for the Lincoln County Primary Care Center application for funding to provide West Virginians with telehealth services, and today the FCC approved their application. This approval is great for Lincoln County residents and will help West Virginians receive the care they need during this pandemic. I will continue to advocate for funding to help our healthcare providers across the Mountain State so they can care for their fellow West Virginians during this crisis."
"We are thrilled to have been approved for this telehealth funding from FCC. This funding will allow Lincoln Primary Care dba Southern West Virginia Health Systems to implement a Telehealth network supporting all 18 locations. This funding will allow for a comprehensive platform that will include support of COVID-19 prevention, testing and treatment initiatives. The Telehealth Core systems will provide a network capable of allowing various devices the ability to connect back to our health systems from a patient's location using a variety of self-owned or provided equipment ensuring the greatest level of flexibility in servicing our patients. We greatly appreciate the support received from Senator Manchin's for these funds," said Lisa King Leach, CEO of Southern West Virginia Health System.
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FCC funds a signal boost for CHS
In an effort to enhance telehealth services, Coplin Health Systems was awarded $274,432 from the Federal Communications Commission.
The funds are the first from the FCC to be awarded to the state for the COVID-19 telehealth program, according to Sarah Barton, senior projects manager.
Sen. Joe Manchin's office worked for the initiative because the senator wanted to see more money from the FCC come into the state, Barton said.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has forced healthcare providers and patients to adjust to new appointment formats, including telephone-based appointments and video-based meetings with their healthcare providers. On April 17, I wrote to the FCC to advocate for the Wirt County Health Services application for funding to provide West Virginians with telehealth services, and today the FCC approved their application," said Manchin.
"This is great news for Wirt County and will help ensure our fellow West Virginians receive the care they need during this crisis. I will continue to advocate for health providers across West Virginia to receive the funding and support they need during this pandemic."
Click here to read article from The Parkersburg News and Sentinel.
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WV CHC Greenway User Group: Virtual Office Hours
Please join the West Virginia Primary Care Association (WVPCA) and GreenwayHealth for virtual office hours on Thursday, May 28, 2020 at 1PM. During this one-hour webinar, Elizabeth Diable, Mid-Atlantic Account Executive, at GreenwayHealth will be addressing COVID-19, telehealth, PRAPARE, patient engagement, and sharing what's on the horizon at GreenwayHealth. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to discuss current system issues and future system considerations during the Q&A session.
Target Audience: Administrative, Billing/Financial, Clinical, and Quality staff from CHCs who utilize Greenway.
Registration Closes May 27, 2020 at 12:00pm
Thursday, May 28, 2020 | 1:00 pm ET
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NCQA (PCMH) Regional Training
July 13-17,2020 - Now Virtual
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-Supported National Committee on Quality Assurance's (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Region 3 Training is now being offered
VIRTUALLY
!
The West Virginia Primary Care Association (WVPCA), District of Columbia Primary Care Association (DCPCA), and the Mid-Atlantic Community Health Centers (MACHC) and are excited to offer National Committee on Quality Assurance's (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Training.
Facilitators: Bill Tulloch, Director, Quality Solutions Group, NCQA & Christina Borden, Director, Recognition Program Policy Resources, NCQA
Who Should Attend:
Any person implementing the PCMH model at their clinical practice, pursing PCMH 2017 recognition, and/or PCMH status through annual reporting.
Cost: This training is offered at
NO COST to participants.
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State News
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The Try This conference is cancelled
The 2020 Try This WV conference is cancelled. They are beyond disappointed, but know that this is the best decision, based on medical advice and the continued spread of COVID19. As excited as they have been about this year's conference plans, everyone's health and wellbeing come first. There are too many uncertainties, and as a healthy-community organization, and they can't knowingly put anybody at risk.
They wish everyone to stay safe and hope to see everyone in person next year!
TryThisWV Announcements:
*Minigrants will still be available. There will be two minigrant deadlines this year: The first is
June 18, fast approaching. Get on it! We're looking forward to hearing your ideas.
The June 18 deadline is for minigrants paid for by federal money that must be spent by June 30. And now there's no requirement that three members of your team must have attended the conference. So get on it! More details coming within the week. The second round will be in October.
So let's make Plan B. How can we get some of the great stuff planned for the 2020 conference out to you anyhow? COVID19 is making us all reinvent ourselves for now. Here are the main things to know:
*
We're looking at regional Try This gatherings between August 2020 and March 2021. Stay tuned for details. If they can't be in person, we'll go online.
*
Try This Online: We're checking out possibilities, doing a crash course in online tech.We'll be sending detailed info soon and would love to hear your ideas.
*
New Web site coming.It will include the original Web site, but will also let us spotlight great people and projects.
If you want more minigrant info and examples of past minigrants, click here.
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GKVF Announcing Virtual Trainings
The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation is launching a Virtual Nonprofit Capacity Building series to assist partners to work remotely. Below are several of the webinars they will be offering. Registration is required and descriptions of the webinars can be found via the registration links. For more information visit TGKVF's website.
Guidance for Nonprofits during a Recession presented by
Global Partners President Patrick Patterson
May 26th from 10:30-11:45am
Outputs, Outcomes, and Demographics: An In-depth look at what you are collecting and why presented by CJ Johnson of Midwest Evaluation and Research
June 9th at 2:00pm
Strategies for Writing Grants when your Organization is Understaffed presented by Global Partners President Patrick Patterson
July 9th from 10:30-11:45am
Tech Tools for Nonprofits presented by our own Grants Manager Candace
Krell; these include short, 15-minute tutorials on a variety of tools.
You can find the first one here.
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Ending the HIV Epidemic: Boot Camp for Community Health Centers Wednesday Webinar Series
The West Virginia Primary Care Association, the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers, and the MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center have created this six-part webinar series for Community Health Centers who have an integral role in Ending the HIV Epidemic. Participants will hear from fellow Community Health Centers and clinic leaders for a strategy-gathering information exchange to learn more about HIV Routine Testing, Implementation of Routine Testing, Importance of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and how to access funding for PrEP. The webinars will be an hour in length and will include Q&A as well as audience interaction via polling.
Wednesday June 3, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Vital Role of Community Health Centers in Ending the HIV Epidemic
Wednesday June 10, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
HIV Routine Testing: Why It's Important
Wednesday June 17, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Implementation of HIV Routine Testing in your Community Health Center
Wednesday June 24, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Importance of PrEP in Primary Care - A Rural Clinic's Perspective
Wednesday July 8, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Importance of PrEP in Primary Care - An Urban Clinic's Perspective
Wednesday July 15, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Accessing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Billing and Coding
Register here.
Please refer to the event's registration page for credit information.
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National News
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CVS Health to return $43M in COVID-19 relief funds
CVS Health is returning $43.3 million it received from the provider relief fund created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, according to
Business Insider.
The company, which employs more than 10,000 nurses and provides healthcare services at its MinuteClinics, said it did not request the funds, which were meant to reimburse healthcare providers for expenses or lost revenues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We have made the decision to return the funds and forgo participation in subsequent disbursements," CVS Health President and CEO Larry Merlo wrote in a May 19 letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "In doing so, we hope to help HHS provide additional support to other providers who are facing significant financial challenges as a result of the pandemic."
CVS Health received the funds from the first $30 billion of aid HHS sent out in April. HHS distributed the grants automatically based on historical Medicare fee-for-service reimbursements.
HHS confirmed that several healthcare providers have returned funds they received in April. Walmart said earlier this month that it
returned $12.6 million in federal relief aid, and the owner of two closed hospitals is
returning $3.5 million in grants.
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Deadline Extensions
Applications for medical malpractice coverage under the FTCA are open in EHBs. We've extended the completion deadline to Monday, July 13.
HRSA guidance for both new applications (deeming) and renewal of existing coverage (redeeming) for health center staff is available in Program Assistance Letter (PAL) 2020-02.
Details about coverage for health center volunteer health professionals are available in PAL 2020-03. The HRSA website has more details about the application process, including a recorded TA webinar.
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
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Please save the date for these upcoming sessions:
Thursday, June 4, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
*NOTE: This link will be accessible only to the first 1,500 participants. If you cannot log in for the visual portion, please still call in!
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Many upcoming
trainings and events
have been canceled
or postponed due
to the COVID-19 emergency.
It
is best
to
call
ahead or check
with the organizer's
websites and
contacts
to
verify the status
of ALL events
and trainings
_________________
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The purpose of this webinar is to provide an overview of the use of Brief Motivational Interviewing (BMI) in patient care, with a focus on diabetes. Participants will understand the definition of BMI as well as treatment outcomes and impacts of this approach within diabetes management. This webinar will present the spirit and principles of BMI within patient-provider communication as well as introduce participants to components of BMI such as change talk and commitment talk.
Tuesday, June 2, 2020 |2:30 PM ET
Technology to Advance PrEP Prescribing Practices
This HRSA-hosted webinar focuses on how to use telehealth as a method to strengthen care access for patients with HIV and improve PrEP prescribing practices. Learn about lessons learned and promising practices associated with using technology to maintain the continuity of care and improve access to care for people regardless of their HIV status.
Thursday, June 4, 2020 | 1:00 PM ET
Register here
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Financial and Funding Resources
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USDA Announces Second Application Window for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program Funding
The USDA Rural Development announced a second application window for funding under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program due to the current public health emergency. This program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. Eligible applicants include most entities that provide education or health care through telecommunications. Apply by Monday, July 13.
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Community Health Center Resources
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Jackson Kelly attorneys provide limited consultation to all members of the WVPCA at no charge, as part of the WVPCA contract. There is no limit to the number of calls which any member may make. All inquiries within the scope of professional competence of firm attorneys will be addressed. Inquiries which require expertise not available through the firm will be promptly identified and, when requested, Jackson Kelly will assist in referring the matter to accounting firms, insurance agents, or others as circumstances warrant.
All inquiries, responses and consultation services provided by the firm lawyers will be provided without additional charge beyond the retainer amount, except for matters which require formal opinions, representation of record in litigation, transactional work, e.g. the purchase or sale of real property, or matters which require continued representation, research or consultation beyond a single inquiry or document review.
Justin M. Harrison is a labor & employment lawyer with Jackson Kelly PLLC. He is available for consultation through a special retainer relationship with the WVPCA.
Justin can be reached at 304.340.1358 and via email at justin.harrison@jacksonkelly.com.
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Risk Management Manual for Health Centers Now Available!
The
Risk Management Manual for Health Centers is now available on the ECRI Institute Clinical Risk Management Program website! Designed to support a proactive approach to risk management at health centers and free clinics, the Manual provides background, tips, and how-tos in a manageable format.
Specific areas that are covered include:
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Risk Management Programs & Plans
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Claims and Lawsuits
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Role of the Risk Manager
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Patient Grievances and Complaints
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Communication with Patients
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Credentialing and Privileging
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Communication among Providers, Staff, and Community Partners
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Tracking Systems for Diagnostic Tests, Referrals, and Hospitalizations
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COVID-19 Resources for Health Centers
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ECRI Institute
Federally qualified health centers and free clinics are on the front line in testing and treating patients who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Use these resources to keep your staff and patients safe:
In addition, ECRI's COVID-19 Resource Center includes free resources addressing the provision of clinical care and managing the supply chain. Updated several times per week, highlights include:
Additional guidance is available directly from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), including:
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WVPCA Staff
Debra Boyd | Chief Financial/Chief Operations Officer
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To sign up to receive the WVPCA Weekly Newsletter, click
HERE
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West Virginia Primary Care Association
1700 MacCorkle Ave. Charleston, WV 25314| (304) 346-0032 |
WWW.WVPCA.ORG
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This project is/was supported partially/fully by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U58CS06834 State and Regional Primary Care Associations. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
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