The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) began releasing the $7.5 billion American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural Distribution today. ARP Rural payments are being made to providers and suppliers who have served rural Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicare beneficiaries from January 1, 2019, through September 30, 2020. 

Providers who have not yet reported will continue to receive reminders from HRSA noting such providers will be out of compliance with PRF Terms and Conditions​ if Reporting Period 1 reports are not submitted by November 30.

Please contact HRSA directly with any technical questions regarding your application, including portal challenges and questions.

In a Dear Administrator letter dated November 18, 2021, all providers are informed that the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has filed CR-103E (WSR 21-23-015) emergency rules for tuberculosis (TB) testing requirements for long-term care workers. The new emergency rules continue the suspension of requirements related to TB testing in WACs. This rule-filing extends the emergency rule until March 5, 2022. The letter explains that clinics across the state that perform TB testing have staffing challenges and limited availability/accessibility for testing. As well, feedback from the long term care community indicates the need for continued suspension of the rules. Providers are encouraged to reach out to their field manager with questions or concerns.

The Department of Health (DOH) has been working on multiple updates to guidance they provide on their website. Below is a summary of the changes and links to the update guidance.

As the need for COVID-19 vaccine verification increases across the state, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) wants to ensure people are prepared and know how to prove their vaccination status when it is required. Vaccine verification options now include QR code functionality through WA Verify, the state’s new Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record system.

Currently, there are several forms of proof people can use to verify their vaccination status:

Realizing the overarching need for QR code functionality as a necessity for quick and easy vaccine verification, DOH’s Office of Innovation and Technology, working closely with partners at MITRE, Microsoft, and the state of California, stood up WA Verify.

WA Verify is Washington’s new Digital COVID-19 Verification Record system that draws COVID-19 records from the state’s immunization system. To use the tool, people enter their name, date of birth, and an email or phone number associated with their vaccination record. If the information matches an official record, they will receive a text or email with a link to their Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record. WA Verify currently supports more than 30 languages, with additional languages available soon. For more information, visit WA Verify’s Frequently Asked Questions page.

Everyone five and older is currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. To find a vaccine provider near you, visit Vaccine Locator. If you have questions, visit DOH’s COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions webpage or talk to your trusted health care provider.

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has established a portal with guidance to help providers submit comments on the CMS Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Interim Final Rule. This rule requires Skilled Nursing Facilities, Nursing Facilities, and ICF-IIDs to establish a policy ensuring that all eligible staff be vaccinated for COVID-19 or request a medical or religious exemption.

Comments can be submitted by January 4, 2022. 

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.