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RCS Dear Provider Letter Regarding Reimplementation of State Minimum Staffing Rules | SNF
Due to the threat of COVID-19 to our most vulnerable populations and the additional impact on healthcare staff, Governor Inslee suspended several rules during the public health emergency (PHE). Governor’s proclamation 20.18 suspended WAC 388-97-1080 (3) and (8), Nursing Services, and WAC 388-97-1090, Direct Care Hours, from March 18, 2020, through October 27, 2022.
As a result of the end of our state’s PHE in October 2022, DSHS has filed emergency retroactive rules to reimplement the minimum staffing rules. Facilities will have until October 27, 2023, to come into compliance.
More information regarding the 3.4 HRD requirement and the 24/7 RN requirement for large non-essential nursing homes can be found in the Dear Administrator Letter. Questions? Please contact Molly McClintock, RCS Nursing Home Policy Program Manager, or reach out to Elena Madrid at WHCA.
Emergency Rules Filed to Amend LTC Worker CE Completion Timeline | AL & ESF
DSHS has extended the timeline to August 31, 2023, for caregivers and administrators in assisted living to obtain all required CE that came due after the State of Emergency ended in Washington. For more details, see the Dear Provider Letter.
NHSN Updates Data Tracking Worksheet for COVID-19 Vaccination | SNF
The update reflects changes to the weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Module, including updated (bivalent) booster doses and the updated up-to-date vaccination classification for all reporting weeks. Read more.
WA Department of Health Offers SNF Infection Preventionist Training Series—Free | SNF
Recruitment has started for an educational offering for those in the lead IPC roles in skilled nursing facilities. The goal is to provide education and resources to help LTC facilities train staff, manage compliance, and implement evidence-based infection prevention and control (IPC) programs.
Registrants will receive:
- APIC membership for one year.
- Enrollment to APIC’s asynchronous online learning course Long-Term Care Infection Preventionist Essentials and a digital book Infection Prevention Guide to Long-Term Care
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Access to the course for a full year and other resources provided on APICS members website.
- Synchronous content mastery Zoom sessions with tools and resources to reinforce learning bi-weekly over four months, and more!
View more information and register today! Questions? Email Mary Whittington.
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