NJAASC has curated authoritative information and a list of resources for our Membership’s reference. We will continue to update this as more information becomes available.
PAST COVID E-BLAST HAVE BEEN ARCHIVED DUE TO SPACE RESTRAINTS AND TO KEEP THINGS CURRENT.
NJAASC will again begin to send out NEWS TO KNOW to NJAASC members only, beginning Monday 8/17/20.
COVID e-blast will continue for everyone whenever there is new information from DOH or other pertinent news.
ANTIGEN TESTING - 8/18/20
The CDC came out with new information as regards Antigen testing.
NJAASC has already approached the Department about utilizing this type of testing for ASC screening. This new information we hope builds our case.
We believe that aside from all else, this is a patient safety issue. The time from test to procedure utilizing currently allowed tests (save for Abbott ID) is too long and fraught with unknowns, chief of which is the patient's compliance with quarantine protocols. This test would cut down that time frame- from test to procedure.
I have sent a letter to the Department today, with this information and our desire to include Antigen testing for use by ASCs- as hospitals are already using it for elective surgery screening.
We will keep you informed.
Q&A FROM DOH – 8/18/20
Q: Is it an absolute that ASC waiting rooms cannot have any type of coffee machines, even a single serving Keurig type due to COVID?
What about water coolers?
If no to both, do they have to be physically removed from the waiting area or can a sign be placed on the machines, saying “out of order”?
A: There is no requirement to remove water coolers or Kuerigs. Of course, in accordance with ED 20-16, facilities shall implement the following disinfection and cleaning protocols:
i. Confirm that cleaning and disinfecting supplies are COVID-19 compatible;
ii. Ensure adequate supply of hand sanitizer, tissues, and non-touch trash receptacles with disposable liners in all restrooms and patient areas;
iii. Ensure all equipment is up to date on preventative maintenance and tested before use/reopening;
iv. Check all supplies for expiration dates;
v. Take needed action such as removing magazines from waiting areas; and
vi. Confirm/update all preventive infection policies and procedures.
Stefanie Mozgai, BA, RN, CPM
Assistant Commissioner
Department of Health
Health Facility Survey & Field Operations
NEW COVID TEST- YOU CAN USE IT FOR ASC PRE-OP – 8/18/20
Yale developed a new COVID test that is non invasive and uses saliva, and according to Yale-should be cheap!
Per Dr. Kirn at NJDOH, this test is acceptable for use by ASCs.
Medicare Providers Get Second Chance to Apply for Provider Relief Fund Grant - 8/18/20
Certain Medicare providers now have another opportunity to apply for the Health & Human Services (HHS) Provider Relief Fund payments, the financial relief offered under the CARES Act to healthcare providers impacted by COVID-19. Eligible providers, as detailed further below, include those who experienced a change in ownership, making them previously ineligible for the initial phase of funding, as well as providers who rejected and returned the initial round of funds and now wish to reapply. In addition, eligible providers include those who missed the June 3, 2020 deadline to apply for additional funding, equal to 2 percent of their total patient care revenue, from the first phase of Provider Relief Fund payments under the General Distribution. This included many Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and dental providers with low Medicare revenues.
The following eligible providers may now submit their application for possible funds on the online Portal by August 28, 2020:
- Providers who were ineligible for the Phase 1 General Distribution because:
- They underwent a change in ownership in calendar year 2019 or 2020 under Medicare Part A; and
- Did not have Medicare Fee-For-Service revenue in 2019.
- Providers who received a payment under Phase 1 of the General Distribution but:
- Missed the June 3 deadline to submit revenue information – including many Medicaid, CHIP, and dental providers with low Medicare revenues that assumed they were ineligible for additional distribution targeted at Medicare providers or had planned to apply for a Medicaid and CHIP specific distribution; or
- Did not receive Phase 1 General Distribution payments totaling approximately 2 percent of their annual patient revenue.
- Providers who previously received Phase 1 General Distribution payment(s), but rejected and returned the funds and are now interested in reapplying.
The aggregate funding for any provider will only be up to 2 percent of the provider’s reported total revenue from patient care. For providers who have already received and retained a General Distribution payment from HHS, the previous amount received and kept will be taken into account when determining any eligible amount for this Phase 2 of the General Distribution payment. All payment recipients must accept the HHS Terms and Conditions.
