On May 31, the department filed a permanent rule to add two new sections in chapter 388-71 WAC and 112A. The intent is to respond to the backlog of long term care workers needing training and/or testing for certification caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To read the rule filing and final language, click here. 

The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) recently announced various revisions to the COVID-19 module pathways, which AHCA/NCAL has outlined here. The LTCF COVID-19 Module forms are updated and available on the NHSN website. 

The new vaccination form will be available on the COVID-19 Vaccine Module by June 3. In the meantime, members can review the recent NHSN training slide deck for an in-depth overview of the changes made to the COVID-19 vaccination module. Please note that these changes are active for the current reporting period. For questions, please email COVID-19@ahca.org.

The Northwest Center for Public Health Practice in collaboration with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is looking for volunteers to pilot test English and Spanish versions of two short modules in its e-learning series on the topic of infection control. If you are interested in being a pilot tester for one of the modules in the Project Firstline series, please fill out this online form. Registration will close after they have reached a maximum number of volunteers.

Introduction to Infection Control As a healthcare worker, the concept of infection control is probably not new to you. However, infection control training has often focused on the "What" and not the "Why." In this module, you will learn about the primary goals of infection control in general, and why it is so important in long-term care facilities. You will have a chance to test your infection control knowledge by helping Susana, a CNA at a long-term care facility, take the correct steps to control infection during her shift.

How Germs Spread from Surfaces Understanding how germs spread and how to prevent them from spreading is key to infection control. In this module, you will learn how germs spread from surfaces to people and why keeping your hands and the environment clean are key to infection control. You have a chance to help Susana, a CNA at a long-term care facility, take the correct steps to prevent infection as she moves from room to room checking vitals.

Here are the treatment guidelines from the NIH. Paxlovid is the most effective, first line treatment, however, this drug has drug interactions especially with anticoagulants and seizure meds and needs a reduced dosage in patients with renal disease. The Liverpool COVID interaction site, ID Society decision tree, and the FDA Paxlovid Eligibility Checklist are helpful and can assist with treatment plans.

To order an allocation, send site name, shipping address, email address, hours of operation, point of contact email address, pharmacy/medical license and expiration date, and type/amount of therapeutic needed to mcm@doh.wa.gov. For additional questions or assistance in ordering therapeutics, contact your pharmacist. 

All providers in King County may request items from King County Emergency Management to help with ongoing infection control and prevention protocols. A complete listing of available items is here. These items are available free of charge to King County providers.

There is no limit on how much can be requested. It is preferred that items are requested in pallets, but they do not want to deter anyone from requesting if they can’t take that amount. It is suggested that requesting 20 boxes would be a minimum. Clarifying questions and requests can be directed to:

Juanita Cordova

Logistics Section

King County Office of Emergency Management

(206) 263-8996

The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department is providing a link to a new LTC webpage for providers and residents for COVID-19 prevention and emergency preparedness.

Here’s the survey link and information about eligibility. Facilities are eligible for MTSW financial assistance if they:

If you have questions, please email Jennifer Schafer, Health Coordination Liaison for Tacoma Pierce County Health Department.

The Washington Department of Health (DOH) is offering Healthcare-Associated Infection Team services to provide support and technical assistance to skilled nursing providers with their reporting to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). There are several experts ready to support and help. Click here for the details and contact information.

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.