CDC Announces Sunset of COVID Community Transmission Maps | AL/ESF/SNF

Effective May 11, the CDC will be sunsetting the community transmission map for SNF and the community level map (for AL and ESF); this map is used to inform providers on masking and eye protection use. WHCA is working with DSHS, DOH, and AHCA to learn how these changes will impact facility operations; we will notify you of upcoming guidance changes.

CLARIFICATION: Staff can Self-order Labs; No Need for Medical Order for Staff Covid Testing | AL/ESF/SNF

Clarification was recently received from the Department of Health (DOH) regarding COVID-19 staff testing in the absence of a statewide standing order. There is no legal restriction on an individual, specifically facility staff, “ordering” a diagnostic test for themselves and administering that test to themselves. The facility leadership can then ask a staff person to self-test using available testing kits, and the facility can use those results to inform of next steps. If you have questions, please reach out to Heather Drummond at DOH.

CMS Announces Ending of COVID Staff Vaccine Requirement, Other Protocols | SNF

On May 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a new regulatory memo QSO-23-13-ALL entitled Guidance for Expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023. See the QSO Memo: Guidance for the Expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) (cms.gov). The memo outlines each waiver CMS put into place during COVID-19 and how the end of the PHE will affect those waivers and more.

Facilities must read the guidance in its entirety, as there are changes and information regarding the following:

Reporting to residents, representatives, and families on COVID-19
Staff COVID-19 vaccine requirements
3-Day Hospital Stay
NA Training Programs
PASSR
Several other requirements and waivers

Read further details on CMS' website.

HHS Announces Expiration of COVID-19 PHE HIPAA Notifications of Enforcement Discretion | AL/ESF/SNF

Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced that the Notifications of Enforcement Discretion issued under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act during the COVID-19 public health emergency will expire at 11:59 pm on May 11, 2023, due to the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

While Congress extended many of the telehealth coverage flexibilities impacting AHCA/NCAL members and their residents permanently or until December 31, 2024, this policy change will no longer permit providers to use technology such as unsecure iPads, smart phones, or other technology for telehealth services unless they meet the stringent HIPAA patient privacy requirements. OCR is providing a 90-calendar day transition period for covered health care providers to come into compliance with the HIPAA Rules with respect to their provision of telehealth. The transition period will be in effect beginning on May 12, 2023, and will expire at 11:59 pm on August 9, 2023. Read more details about this important change and read the HHS' Notice of Expiration of Certain Notifications of Enforcement Discretion Issued in Response to the COVID-19 Nationwide Public Health Emergency.

Updates for Providers of Long-Term Care Facilities | AL/ESF/SNF

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) no longer requires masks as of April 3 in healthcare settings, long-term care facilities (LTCFs), and correctional facilities. According to Residential Care Services (RCS), facilities must follow appropriate infection control prevention standards. You must revise your policies to reflect the updated guidance by May 1, 2023. DOH aligns with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on healthcare and COVID-19. They encourage facilities to follow CDC’s Infection Control guidelines and recommendations.

View the toolkit for LTCFs to stay up to date with state and national standards. DOH will update the toolkit as guidance changes.

DOH recently hosted a webinar about the updated COVID-19 guidance; watch now (previously recorded). The passcode is Y22U^JBG.

COVID-19 Test Kits Still Available! | AL/ESF/SNF

Test to protect! Email epitesting@tpchd.org for free test kits. Learn more about COVID-19 testing locations, self-testing, expiration dates of test kits, and more on their testing webpage.

If you have questions or need assistance, please email longtermcare@tpchd.org. Visit their Long-term Care webpage for additional information and resources.