Coronavirus Update #224
POC Reporting Update, MDH LTC Webinar Recap, Monoclonal Antibody Treatment, Eurofins Testing Support, Vaccine Reminders, N95 Mask Fit Test Training
POC Reporting Update

New guidance from HHS no longer requires mandatory POC reporting directly to NHSN.

While NHSN is the CDC- and CMS preferred pathway, Medicare and Medicaid-certified LTC facilities may submit data through the other mechanisms described in the Current Methods of Submission section. This includes “submission of laboratory testing data through a state or regional Health Information Exchange (HIE) to the appropriate state or local public health department and to the CDC as directed by the state.”

This is how nursing homes submit their data to CRISP and it will meet the minimum standards for HHS reporting. While facilities may continue to submit their POC test result data directly to NHSN, it is not mandatory as long as they are submitting the data to CRISP, which is mandatory per the State.
Please note that POC reporting requirements were discussed during yesterday's MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Outbreak Response Bureau webinar for long-term care. See below for details on accessing the webinar.
MDH Webinar Recap

Yesterday, the Maryland Department of Health held a webinar call to update the long-term care sector on COVID-19 developments and best practices. The call was recorded, in case you were unable to join or would like to review the topics discussed, which included:

  • COVID-19 Epi Updates
  • Vaccine Updates
  • Maryland Updates
  • POC Reporting Updates
  • Antigen Testing Updates
  • Long-term care FAQs
  • Q&A

You can also view the webinar's PowerPoint presentation here and the chat box here.

If you have any questions, please email mdh.ipcovid@maryland.gov.
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Webinar Materials

Earlier this week, the Maryland Department of Health held a webinar to discuss the value and progress of monoclonal antibody treatments.

Eurofins COVID-19 Testing Support

  • HFAM associate member Eurofins provides a wide range of COVID-19 related testing services, including both clinical and environmental testing.

  • If facilities’ current labs are not meeting testing turn-around times on standard PCR testing, are struggling with capacity, etc., Eurofins is happy to bring them on-board at the $75 direct bill rate with a 24 hour testing turn-around time, 10% money back guarantee.

  • For assisted living facilities that do not have easy access to medical professionals to provide collection services, the self-collection “at home” offering may be a good option. See more here.

  • For symptomatic residents, our COVID + Flu Panel testing can be used to determine what is causing the symptoms. See more here.


For more information, please contact Karen Gerwitz at karengerwitz@eurofinsus.com or 716-206-9874. 
AHCA/NCAL #GetVaccinated Toolkit

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has launched a campaign to encourage long term care residents and staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

To view all the materials please visit www.ahcancal.org/getvaccinated.
Why Stella Maris Employees Are Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine

Check out the below video from HFAM member Stella Maris on why their employees are getting the COVID-19 vaccine. If you want to share your COVID-19 vaccination success stories, please let us know!
N95 Mask Fit Testing: Train-the-Trainer

It is required that a fit test of N95 Masks be performed to ensure proper fit to the individual wearing the mask. The test is performed on a healthcare worker using a specific model, style, and size of N95. If using different types, styles, and sizes, the individual must be properly fit tested for each different mask.

This session is a train-the-trainer format so that your center will have individuals on staff trained in performing the fit test on other staff members. We ask they you limit your number of attendees for this training to four people per center. Please register your center for one day and time. We do not need to know the name of the individuals.

You are required to bring with you the N95s, you use at your Center, that you have a good supply of and will be able to replenish that supply. Every model and style of N95 is different and will require fit testing before use.

It is recommended that you bring your Center's Fit Test Kit. If you do not currently have one, please order today from your vendor. Safety and infection control procedures will be in place at the training.  Please adhere to all infection control procedures before attending the training session.

DETAILS
January 18 and January 25, 2021
Merritt Training Room
8830 Stanford Blvd.
Columbia, MD 21045

Please register for one day and time slot only.

If you have any questions, please call or email Patty DeGrasse 410-353-9800 (cell) or pdegrasse@hfam.org.
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Visit our website to view all previous HFAM alerts, as well as guidance
from our federal and state partners.
Thank you.

We cannot thank you enough for the dedication and diligence in doing all that you can for the residents in your communities. HFAM continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic with our state and national partners and will do all we can to support you during this time.