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WVPCA Weekly Outlook
A Newsletter on Community Centered Healthcare
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WVPCA News - Outreach & Enrollment News
Emergency Management News - State News - National News
Funding and Financial Opportunities - Training Opportunities
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Betrayal, guilt, shame: Trauma among health care workers comparable to that of combat vets
Read the entire article from NBC News here.
COVID-19, overdoses pushed US to highest death total ever
Read the entire article from AP News here.
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Don't Miss This Training Opportunity |
Please join the WVPCA as we have partnered with Online Business Systems, to host a Privacy and Security Workshop with the goal of helping health centers increase their awareness and capabilities related to protecting against and responding to current cybersecurity threats.
The cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, especially given current geopolitical events; it is important to know how to protect against and respond to changing threats given limited resources. In this workshop, we will outline these threats, common security controls that can be implemented for organizations large and small. We will then facilitate a Tabletop Exercise designed to help you practice incident response should a threat such as Ransomware succeed in compromising your systems.
Tabletop exercises are meant to help health centers prepare for potential cyber threats by doing hands-on role-based activities and conducting live testing of incident response plans (IRP). The Tabletop Exercise will consist of reviewing the key aspects of incident response, performing a simulated cyber incident scenario, and conducting a lessons-learned exercise to ensure centers’ readiness to respond to and recover from cyber incidents in the future. You should come away with an understanding of the things you can do in your organization to be prepared for such an event.
This workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at the Holiday Inn & Suites in South Charleston. Registration is available here. The cost of this training is $50 per CHC staff member. For overnight accommodations, please contact the Holiday Inn & Suites Charleston West, an IHG Hotel DIRECTLY at 304-744-4641 and reference WV Primary Care Association (Group Code- PCA). The group rate is $109.00 and includes breakfast, ground-level parking, and high-speed internet. To ensure access to this room block, make reservations by April 25, 2022.
TARGET AUDIENCE: This event is intended for COOs, CIOs, Information Managers, Privacy and Security Officers, Staff Responsible for Data Security.
This learning event is not open to non-CHC staff.
Registration closes on May 9, 2022 at 5:00 PM ET.
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Please join the WVPCA and the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership’s Help2Quit project to discuss the important role the pediatric provider plays in helping parents and caregivers understand the harmful effects of second and third hand smoke on babies and young children. This training also features information on how to help adolescent patients. Integrating effective practices into existing pediatric systems of care will also be highlighted. This training will also assist health center staff with strategies to improve tobacco use screening and cessation interventions among their patient populations.
Following this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Describe tobacco harms, especially as it affects the pediatric population.
- Identify effective prevention strategies to lessen the impact of second and third hand smoke on the pediatric population.
- Explain role and responsibilities of pediatric providers in addressing tobacco harms, prevention and treatment with their patients and their families.
- Describe effective interventions and resources available to pediatric providers to help them address smoking by parents and caregivers of their patients.
PRESENTER: Timothy Lefeber, MD - Associate Professor Department of Pediatrics at West Virginia University School of Medicine
TARGET AUDIENCE: MD, DO, APRN, PA-C, Nurses, MAs, Behavioral Health Providers.
CE/CME Credits Available.
Registration closes on April 18, 2022 at 5:00 PM ET.
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End of COVID-19 PHE Could Mean
Huge Loss of Health Insurance
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If there has been a silver lining to the pandemic, it is that the rate of Americans without health insurance dropped to a near-historic low in response to various federal initiatives connected to the government-declared public health emergency (PHE). Now, as the pandemic’s acute phase seemingly ends, millions of low-income and middle-income Americans are at risk of losing health insurance. The United States might see one of the steepest increases in the country’s uninsured rate in years. To minimize this number, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is working to inform people about renewing their coverage and exploring other available health insurance options if they no longer qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. We encourage health centers to explore resources and toolkits available on CMS’ website to promote awareness and provide assistance with re-enrollment for Medicaid, CHIP, and other affordable insurance options.
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HHS Renews COVID-19 PHE Declaration |
To help meet the needs of the nation during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, effective April 16. The first U.S. public health emergency declaration for COVID-19 was signed in January 2020 as the global pandemic response began and has been renewed every 90 days in adherence to the law.
Renewing the public health emergency declaration ensures health care providers and state and territorial health departments have continued flexibility to respond to the pandemic, helping save lives. These flexibilities support efforts such as rapid patient care during emergencies, including waivers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for certain requirements under section 1135 of the Social Security Act. Examples of such requirements include preapproval requirements and temporarily reassignment of state, territorial, tribal or local staff who typically are funded by federal grants in order to respond to the emergency.
HHS will provide states and territories with no less than 60 days’ notice prior to the termination of the public health emergency declaration for COVID-19.
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Additional Counselors to be Hired for Suicide Hotline in Anticipation of 988 Launch |
The nonprofit First Choice Services of Charleston has announced it will hire an additional 30 counselors to answer suicide hotline calls following the governor's signing of a bill establishing 988 as the mental health crisis phone number in the state.
Governor Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 181, creating the West Virginia 988 mental health crisis system. The bill stems from the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, which designated 988 as the universal three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Hotline.
The bill was passed unanimously by both the state Senate and House in the last legislative session.
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Deconstructing Trauma: Understanding and Providing Trauma-Informed Care |
The WV Behavioral Health Workforce and Health Equity Training Center's Summer Series is kicking off with a presentation on trauma-informed care. It's a virtual event, there is no cost to attend, and CEs will be available.
It is estimated that 90% of clients seeking behavioral healthcare in the United States have experienced at least one traumatic event. Therefore, it’s crucial for all behavioral health providers, regardless of specialization, to understand and gain proficiency in trauma-informed care. This presentation will be the first in a series of trauma-informed trainings offered by the West Virginia Behavioral Health Workforce and Health Equity Training Center in 2022. It will provide an overview of the continuum of stress and trauma, trauma-sensitive screening and assessment, multicultural considerations, evidence-based treatment modalities, and suggestions for implementation of the principles of trauma-informed care.
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Register Today for a Certified Tobacco Treatment Training Program (CTTTP) - |
West Virginia University School of Dentistry in cooperation with the Health Sciences Center’s Office of Interprofessional Education is recognized nationally/internationally as one of twenty-five Tobacco Treatment Training Programs and is certified by the Council of Tobacco Treatment Training Programs (CTTTP). Professionals in the fields of medicine, dentistry, social work, pharmacy, nursing and public health will present evidence-based strategies to enable attendees to effectively assist their patients/clients/ communities with tobacco cessation. Scholarships (limited to approximately 95) are available for this program.
This course is recommended for physicians, physician assistants, dentists, dental hygienists, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, respiratory therapists, licensed practicing counselors and other health care providers who encounter tobacco using patients/clients.
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Registration Now Open
WV COPD Readmissions Institute
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The COPD Foundation is hosting a first-ever COPD Readmissions Institute in West Virginia.
This is one full day and ½ day virtual event, showcasing best practices from practitioners from WV and around the U.S. involving the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with COPD.
When: April 28-29, 2022
Cost: Free
Where: Virtual event
Who Should Attend? – Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, nurses, pharmacists, quality staff, and others involved in the care of patients with COPD.
Registration is limited to 65 organizations -- this allows for an organization to register and have several staff to attend the virtual event, with the organization receiving resources and educational materials from the COPD Foundation.
Information will be shared in the coming weeks on registration for this event.
If you have any questions concerning this rare training workshop event, please contact Stephanie Williams, Senior Director of Community Education Programs, with the COPD Foundation, at swilliams@copdfoundation.org.
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April Is National Donate Life Month |
April is National Donate Life Month, and HRSA is celebrating how sweet life is when someone who needs an organ transplant finds a match. Help celebrate and honor the generosity of organ, eye, and tissue donors, donor families, as well as the lives saved through donation. This year’s theme is “Bee a Donor!” and HRSA encourages health centers to help create a buzz and to “bee” part of this life saving community. Thank you for all you do to promote organ donation and encourage more donor registrations! |
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CMS Publishes One-Page Summary of
Good Faith Estimate Requirements
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Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published an updated set of FAQs on various requirements based on the No Surprises Act, including Good Faith Estimates (GFEs). The FAQs contained no new information of significance to CHCs; however, it did include a one-page summary of the GFE requirements. |
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Community Health Quality Recognition Badge Criteria for 2021-2023 UDS Reporting Periods |
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has established the criteria to award Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges for the 2021-2023 UDS reporting periods. These benchmarks will provide health centers with clear targets to help shape quality improvement strategies. Benchmarks, new badges and criteria changes will take effect for the 2021 UDS reporting period and will be announced prior to the 2021 UDS data release. |
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Leading Positive Team Performance Workshops |
The National Association of Community Health Centers Leading Positive Team Performance Through Resilience and Happiness training workshop focuses on the positive psychology research proving a positive mindset results in 23% greater energy in the midst of stress, 31% higher productivity, 19% higher accuracy, 40% higher likelihood to be promoted, up to 10 times more engagement, and improves our overall longevity.
This evidence-based learning event is intended to be experiential, growth oriented, and collaborative. The training curriculum is designed for health center staff members or teams* who want to:
- Create and sustain a more optimistic, adaptive, and resilient workforce through the power of positive psychology.
- Create a catalyst for organizational transformation.
- Create a workplace culture that embraces positive change efforts.
- Increase employee engagement, resilience and optimism.
- Increase staff satisfaction and retention.
- Increase patient satisfaction and engagement.
*Individual registration is required.
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Nurse Corps Scholarship Program:
Still Time to Start Your Application
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Many people in our country go without necessary health care. This includes checkups, preventive screenings, and vaccines. This happens when there aren’t enough health care workers in their communities.
There continues to be a strong need for nurses throughout the United States. The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program (Nurse Corps SP) helps address these issues. You can help provide more equitable care and make a difference!
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program provides financial support to students enrolled in nursing degree programs in exchange for a commitment to serve in high-need areas across the country.
This year, Nurse Corps has additional funding for awards. Scholarship support includes tuition, fees, other reasonable educational costs, and a monthly living stipend.
Find out if you qualify and apply by Thursday, May 5. Apply to join the Nurse Corps as a Scholarship Program participant and be the difference!
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Quarterly 340B Program Registration |
Quarterly 340B Program site registration is open from April 1 to 15. Health centers will be able to register a site that has been verified as implemented and with a site status reflected as “active” in HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks Form 5B through Friday, May 27. After that date, the system will close to prepare for the July 1 start. Email the 340B Prime Vendor Program or call 888-340-2787 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm ET) to register a new site or ask questions. You will need to provide the following information when calling: health center name, site/clinic name, site IDs for all sites, HRSA/BPHC grant number, contact name and email address and authorizing official name and email address. The authorizing official will receive an email message that the account is unlocked and a registration may be submitted.
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2022 NHSC New Site
Application Cycle is Now Open
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Eligible healthcare facilities can apply to become National Health Service Corps (NHSC)-approved sites. NHSC-approved sites provide outpatient, primary health care services to people in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Sites must contact their State Primary Care Office (PCO) when applying for, or inquiring about, a HPSA designation.
The 2022 NHSC New Site Application Cycle is now open for sites that:
- Have never been approved for NHSC, including sites that have applied and had their application denied or cancelled.
- Are currently an inactive NHSC site due to expiration or past compliance issues.
Interested sites and treatment facilities should review the Site Reference Guide (SRG) for details on how to become NHSC approved.
Why be NHSC approved?
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Recruit and retain qualified providers using NHSC loan repayment programs and attract NHSC scholars who are ready to fulfill their service obligation at sites like yours.
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Post vacancies to the Health Workforce Connector.
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Participate in HRSA Virtual Job Fairs to connect with job-seeking primary care trainees and practicing clinicians.
Accepting applications through Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. E.T.
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Funding and Financial Resources |
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School-Based Health Center Grants Available |
The Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation School-Based Health Fund at the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF) is once again offering West Virginia school-based health centers the opportunity to apply for mini-grants of up to $2,000. School-based health centers (SBHC) are defined as primary care clinics based on primary or secondary school campuses.
Grants may be requested for training and competency building, broadening of public awareness, advisory or consultancy services, improvements to facilities or equipment, or for response to COVID 19. Applications are due April 29. The application process is online and the application form can be accessed in one of two ways:
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Go to the PACF web site’s “Apply for a Grant” page and click on the link to the “School-Based Health Center Grants” near the bottom of the page. Here is a link to the page: https://pacfwv.com/initiatives/grants/apply-for-a-grant
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Go directly to the application site using the link below: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=pacfwv
Please note – there is a new online application platform as of last year. If you applied last year, simply log in with your log in information. If you did not apply last year, you must create a new account in this system. After you create an account, you can use your account log-in information to return to the application in order to complete it. If you are a completely new applicant, simply create a new account to begin.
Please note that if your organization works with more than one school-based health center, you can apply for a separate grant for each center.
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FCC Extends Application Deadline for Rural Healthcare Connect Program to June 1 |
The FCC has extended the application deadline for the Rural Healthcare Connect Program from April 1 to June 1. All rural FQHCs are encouraged to apply, as they are guaranteed to receive a 65% flat discount on an array of communications services, including internet access, dark fiber, business data, traditional digital service line (DSL), and private carriage services.
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Registration Open for NACHC Financial Operations Training |
The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) training workshop, Financial Operations Management 2 (FOM2), is an intermediate-level workshop that provides insight and understanding of the core qualities needed to approach the business aspects of financial operations, management, and service delivery. This is an intermediate-level seminar approved for up to 11.4 CPE credits. The FOM2 training agenda is packed with the essential financial management tools and techniques to help empower health center CFOs, CEOs, COOs and managers to maximize financial performance, engage in contract negotiations and leverage technology for better decision-making. Learn more and register for this May 25-26 virtual training.
Early bird registration ends May 11, 2022.
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Upcoming Training Opportunities |
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Developing Workforce Retention and Resiliency within an Integrated Care Setting |
This webinar will cover strategies to bolster healthcare workforce retention and prevent workforce burnout.
The impact of COVID on healthcare worker retention and burnout has been staggering. According to the American Medical Association, nearly half (49%) of healthcare workers reported experiencing burnout.
The National Healthcare Retention & RN Staffing Report states that since 2015, the average hospital has turned over 89% of its workforce and COVID has accounted for a 10% decrease in healthcare employment.
Presenters: Philip H. Rainer, M.S.W., LCSW-R, SAP; Fran Basche, M.A.
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
1:00 PM ET
1.0 CE is available
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Collaborating to Address the Health and Legal Needs of Patients Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence and Exploitation |
Health Partners on IPV + Exploitation and National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership are partnering to host a webinar on collaborations between health and legal services providers to address intimate partner violence and exploitation and promote prevention.
This webinar will help both Medical-Legal Partnerships and other health and legal services partners develop strategies and identify tools they can use to increase capacity to support patient-survivors of IPV or human trafficking/exploitation and promote universal education and healing-centered engagement on the health impacts of intimate partner violence and exploitation. Attention will be placed on community collaborative models that facilitate coordinated care and better outcomes for survivors and their communities.
Thursday, April 21, 2022
1:00 PM ET
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FHIR 101: Opportunities to Improve Interoperability across Health Centers |
Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) is an HL7® standard for electronic healthcare data exchange. This next generation exchange architecture is advancing interoperability in healthcare.
FHIR provides a standard way to express and share information across health centers, providers, and related organizations independent of how local EHRs display or store data. For UDS+ and other information exchange needs, all health centers, PCAs, and HCCNs will want to be familiar with the basics of the HL7 FHIR standard.
In this session we will discuss what FHIR is, what it basically does, how it impacts your EHR, and what it might mean to your health center and patients.
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
2:00 PM ET
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2022 Uniform Data System Changes and Reporting Assistance |
Join HRSA to learn about Uniform Data System (UDS) reporting requirements for 2022.
They will provide a detailed overview of important reporting changes, including:
- Table 6A (Selected Diagnoses and Services Rendered) changes.
- Inclusion of a long COVID measure.
- Updates to UDS clinical quality measure (CQM) specifications to align with current CMS electronic-specified clinical quality measures (eCQMs).
- Using electronic health record data to report CQMs.
- An update to assessing social risk screening.
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
1:00 PM ET
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Community Health Center Resources |
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Jackson Kelly attorneys provide limited consultation to all members of the WVPCA at no charge, as part of the WVPCA contract. There is no limit to the number of calls which any member may make. All inquiries within the scope of professional competence of firm attorneys will be addressed. Inquiries which require expertise not available through the firm will be promptly identified and, when requested, Jackson Kelly will assist in referring the matter to accounting firms, insurance agents, or others as circumstances warrant.
All inquiries, responses and consultation services provided by the firm lawyers will be provided without additional charge beyond the retainer amount, except for matters which require formal opinions, representation of record in litigation, transactional work, e.g. the purchase or sale of real property, or matters which require continued representation, research or consultation beyond a single inquiry or document review.
Justin M. Harrison is a labor & employment lawyer with Jackson Kelly PLLC. He is available for consultation through a special retainer relationship with the WVPCA. Justin can be reached at 304.340.1358 and via email at justin.harrison@jacksonkelly.com.
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Risk Management Manual for Health Centers Now Available! |
The Risk Management Manual for Health Centers is now available on the ECRI Institute Clinical Risk Management Program website! Designed to support a proactive approach to risk management at health centers and free clinics, the Manual provides background, tips, and how-tos in a manageable format.
Specific areas that are covered include:
Risk Management Programs & Plans
Claims and Lawsuits
Role of the Risk Manager
Patient Grievances and Complaints
Communication with Patients
Credentialing and Privileging
Communication among Providers, Staff, and Community Partners
Tracking Systems for Diagnostic Tests, Referrals, and Hospitalizations
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Debra Boyd | Chief Financial/Chief Operations Officer
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To sign up to receive the WVPCA Weekly Newsletter: |
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1700 MacCorkle Avenue, SE
Charleston, WV 25314
Phone: 304.346.0032
Toll Free: 1.877.WVA HLTH
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This project is/was supported partially/fully by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U58CS06834 State and Regional Primary Care Associations. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. |
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