Vaccines and Mandates:
Since December 23, 2020, when we stood with Governor Hogan at Genesis Franklin Woods to witness and support the first people in Maryland to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, we have known that these vaccines work and are lifesavers. Long before any state vaccine mandates, AHCA/NCAL, HFAM, the Maryland Hospital Association, and others voted to support vaccine mandates. Over the summer Governor Hogan and the State of Maryland rightfully mandated the vaccine in healthcare settings, with an alternative testing option. That order remains in place. Today hundreds of vaccine clinics and booster clinics have been held at Maryland skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers and on assisted living campuses.
As of today, 89.4 percent of residents and 88.2 percent of staff in skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers are fully vaccinated; 91.2 percent of residents and 90.4 percent of staff have received a first dose of the vaccine.
As we all know, the federal vaccination orders are much broader in terms of employers and do NOT include a testing alternative – which was a mistake. On Tuesday, the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Louisiana issued an injunction of the Federal mandate with its December 6 interim and January deadlines. Yes, getting vaccinated is the right thing to do for those of us involved with healthcare, but given the current workforce shortage, the tight deadlines, and the absence of a testing alternative, the court likely did the right thing in terms of preserving access to care in our setting and other healthcare settings.
The federal injunction also presents real communications challenges for those of us working in healthcare. Just as we are all feverishly working to comply with the December 6 and January deadlines and prepare for staff to be released over the lack of vaccination, the mandate is put on hold. We agree with the AHCA/NCAL approach to continue supporting a federal mandate that includes a regular testing option for unvaccinated staff and that unvaccinated staff will be the rare exception rather than the rule.
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
AS AHCA/NCAL advised, while the interim final rule is, as of today, prevented in all states from going into effect, Medicare providers should continue preparing policies and procedures so that if the government’s arguments prevail, they can be quickly implemented. As employers, providers should consider what policy to have in place until a government mandate requires it, which is not certain. So we would advise Maryland skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers and assisted living campuses to continue with staff vaccination clinics as well as staff, resident, and patient booster clinics.
COVID-19 Omicron Variant:
Three things are certain: We have all written and spoken over these last nearly two years about future COVID-19 variants; we have learned that once a variant is identified elsewhere, it’s likely already here but not yet confirmed; and we don’t know enough yet about the Omicron variant in terms of contagiousness, severity, and mortality. We also know that vaccines have been lifesavers and relative to this and future variants, we know that remains true until we have facts and data prove otherwise. Infectious disease protocols work, people get tired at work and home, and vigilance is important. Like Governor Hogan yesterday at his press conference, I urge all Marylanders to get vaccinated and boosted, ASAP. And I urge people not to panic, but to live, work, play, and connect with friends, family, and colleagues with care and consideration.
Now is NOT a time for any of us to let down our guard – together, we must continue advocating for people to receive the vaccine and the booster. We are eternally grateful to Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Adrienne Jones, as well as Cherie Taylor and Renee Harris of the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington for recording this HFAM public service video to help encourage people living and working in skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers and on assisted living campuses to get vaccinated—and to get the booster!
Workforce:
The top three issues for our sector and the focus of HFAM are workforce, workforce, and workforce. In this most challenging environment to advocate for government policies and public/private partnerships on workforce retention, workforce recruitment, and adequate sector and workforce funding to ensure access to quality care in our sector. This week we have had very productive group and private discussion with Maryland elected and other leaders on this front. We will continue to press forward to seek short- and long-term solutions on workforce.
The quote, “Better to Light a Candle Than to Curse the Darkness” has been attributed to many. As some of us celebrate Hanukkah and we reflect on the miracle of light, and where we are now and have been, this quote is perhaps more timely than ever.
As Always:
- Focus on what is in your control and not what is out of your control.
- Let’s get those boosters and the flu vaccine in the arms of people.
- Overcommunicate – with residents, patients, families, staff, and government partners.
- Adapt and innovate.
- Rely on your partnerships.
- Speak up when you need help.
- Double efforts on infectious disease protocols, training, and operations.
- Take and document your action; keep a timeline.
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CLICK HERE for the Dr. Katz Video, and please see the Donning and Doffing Checklist we have been sharing.
Onward together and at your side!
