Coronavirus Update #73
Healthcare Heroes, AHCA/NCAL Updates, Testing and PPE, CMS Call Reminders
Healthcare Heroes - Thank you!
To the right is a picture of Allehany Nursing & Rehabilitation's 4th floor staff who have been on the front line caring for all of their residents in addition to the new admits.  In an effort to isolate all new admissions as much as possible, all new residents have been admitted to the 4th floor where they have been cared for. 

Staff is practicing proper donning and doffing skills with personal protective equipment in an effort to keep everyone safe. Throughout this pandemic, the staff remains upbeat and motivated in spite of the fear and unknown of the coronavirus. 

They continue to uphold Allegany Health and Rehabilitation’s standard of the highest quality of care to all resident’s and service to their families.
The team members at Moran Manor (left) have stepped up and adjusted to all the new requirements that have been imposed. They are receptive to change and giving 100% to keep residents safe, happy and feeling loved in this difficult time of no visitation.

Everyone from the receptionist who is conducting screenings, to the management team who is keeping abreast of changes daily, to the nursing staff that provide hands on care, to the housekeepers who are sanitizing hourly, to the dietary team that provide nutritious meals, to activities staff who make every day fun and to the maintenance team that keeps everything running. Thank you all!
Each and every employee in this picture to the right sacrificed being quarantined from their family to be here for residents (their other family) at Fairfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. 

These individuals banned together as a team and did whatever it took to continue to provide quality care to our residents, preventing the spread of the COVID-19 throughout the facility. 

#COVID-19 Warriors - thank you!
The past month at Julia Manor (above) has been a stressful and challenging time for all staff in the facility. The nursing team has gone above and beyond to support direct care staff. Their teamwork and dedication makes other jobs easier and their support and help getting new information out to the staff is beyond amazing! Every day they ask ‘what can I do to help?’
Thank you, team Julia!
The RN Hero Team of the 1st floor at Villa Rosa (above) has continued to tirelessly take care of residents with a SMILE and kind words! Efficient and effervescent they interact with the residents, supervisors, and communicate with families and doctors! They show up consistently, are very dependable and pick up open shifts as needed! They serve as role models for other staff and are a HUGE asset to Villa Rosa!
Oakland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Superheroes! (above)
Embracing the new normal at Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center! (above)
The nursing department at Devlin Manor (right) are true heroes during this difficult time. As the pandemic continues to spread across the state the challenges of meeting the needs of residents becomes greater and greater. 

Under the direction and leadership of Selena Haslacker, DON, the nursing department has stepped up, never wavering. The daily provision of care provided to residents has never been more compassionate from the true heroes of the facility.

Thank you, all!
Who are your healthcare heroes?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing home and assisted living healthcare workers are proving themselves not just essential workers, but frontline heroes. From managing a virus that can be spread without symptoms, to dealing with a shortage adequate testing and PPE, to being forced to rightfully isolate residents from families and loved ones, these challenges are immense, unprecedented, and heartbreaking. Nursing home and assisted living healthcare heroes are truly working hard and doing all they can to save lives.

There are so many amazing stories of dedication, sacrifice, and compassion by long term care professionals who are going above and beyond to ensure the safety, health, and happiness of residents during this unprecedented time. These individuals are saving lives; they are heroes.

We want to hear your stories! Please email   [email protected]   to share a current story and picture of members of your team who are going above beyond to provide quality care during this unprecedented time. 
AHCA/NCAL Grant & Loan Management Resource Guide 

To aid members with managing the array of federal grants and loans, AHCA/NCAL has developed a basic primer  (login required) for organizing oversight and day-to-day management of these emergency resources.

The guidance includes federal cost reporting guidelines as well as recommended financial management approaches for members. This document is the Association’s first version; updates will be developed as the federal government and states release new or updated guidance.  

To download the Resource Guide, log into the AHCA/NCAL website and go here , or the Finance & Reimbursement section of the COVID-19 webpage . 
COVID-19 Related Loss and Cost Calculator 

Also, available exclusively to AHCA/NCAL members is a COVID-Related Loss and Cost Calculator (login required). The purpose of this excel workbook is to offer a basic tool for members to assess allowable costs already reimbursed by pre-COVID payers, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and compare such reimbursement to shortfalls where grants and loans fill funding gaps. This tool will be particularly useful with reporting on and documenting use of the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund grants. 

To download the calculator (an Excel workbook), log into the AHCA/NCAL website and go here , or the Finance & Reimbursement section of our COVID-19 webpage . 
Reminder: MDH Directive and Order

The Maryland Department of Health recently issued  new directive and order for nursing homes. Even before these guidelines were posted, HFAM has been working with the help of our members, partners at MHA, and hospitals to improve the guidance relative to physician and other medical professional care.

Per this directive, in addition to all current reporting requirements to state and local health departments, all facilities shall report specified information to the Chesapeake Regional Information System for Our Patients (CRISP) and any designated contact point within the appropriate local health department.

Nursing homes can input information via this link:

Please note that this link is outside of the CRISP clinical information website and is a direct link to the required information website.
Testing Options

First Call Medical Center, an urgent care clinic located in Gambrills, is available to provide testing to staff and residents of long-term care centers. Skilled nursing centers and assisted living campuses may set up testing for staff and/or residents in several ways: staff can utilize the urgent care’s drive through testing, the urgent care clinic can set up at your center, or a mix of these options. Please note for staff testing, it is most efficient to send employee information ahead of the testing in order for the clinic to process tests quicker. This testing is available 7 days a week.

In addition, this urgent care clinic has adequate access to PPE and they are even offering to share PPE (including face shields and masks) with other providers.

Please contact Dr. Ron Elfenbein to discuss the testing process and figure out which option works best for your center. Dr. Elfenbein can be reached via email at  [email protected] or via phone at 410-507-9698 (please leave a message if no answer).


Diamond Medical Labs, located in Owings Mills, has the capacity to do in-residence test collection for seniors during the COVID-19 outbreak so that they do not have to go out. Contact Andy Diamond at  [email protected] or  443-992-2782 if there is demand at your center or if you would like additional information.


The Maryland Department of Health Laboratory - click here for more information.
PPE Resource Reminders
In our continuing efforts to assist providers with sourcing PPE supply, HFAM has identified several companies that are producing supplies and taking orders. These companies can be used to compliment orders from your existing vendors. Please contact the individuals directly regarding your needs to determine which company is a good fit for you.

MEDLINE

If you have a COVID-19 case, Medline will send you a special augmented shipment of PPE, as long as supplies last. Please contact your sales representative.

Many providers have purchased Medline disposable gowns and Medline is working as fast as possible to bring more into stock to meet demand. In the meantime, Medline has begun experimenting with  washing  these gowns. The initial tests have worked better than expected. Here are detailed instructions on how to wash these gowns:



Please note that there should be a test wash any of the gowns to determine their ability to effectively wash and sustain usability in the wash process. Do an initial small batch test to make sure the process works. 

For additional information, questions, or product assistance, contact your Medline sales representative or call 1-800-Medline.

FACE SHIELDS

Sparx Protective Face Shield

Sparx Hockey, inventor of the revolutionary Sparx Skate Sharpener, has announced it will begin manufacturing protective face shields to assist the medical community in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.  The company expects to produce approximately 10,000-15,000 face shields a week and is currently taking orders via its website at   www.sparxhockey.com/safetygear   .  The Sparx Protective Face Shield is intended for single use only and should only be used with medically approved masks.  Cost $59.00 for a pack of 10.

FACE MASKS
 
Eurotard Dancewear    has begun production of face masks. The factory closed its regular production due to the coronavirus and began production of PPE immediately. 

For more information on the reusable face mask, please   click here  . Note that the pricing shown on the website is consumer retail pricing. Bulk orders for PPEs will be invoiced at wholesale pricing for your facility. 

Contact Jan Swan at 513-235-7019 or    [email protected]

FACE MASKS AND HAND SANITIZERS

Offering bulk pricing on Planet Earth Face Masks, that are ATSM Level 2 FDA Certified.

Offering bulk pricing on Greenerways Handsanitizer a 70% Alcohol based hand sanitizer to meet the demands of First Responders, Hospitals and Healthcare centers.  

Contact Scott Edwards, Innovative Marketing Services, phone 410-340-1113 or via email at  [email protected]

DISPOSABLE FACE SHIELDS

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has designed and licensed a manufacturer to produce  disposable face shields  in high volume. These face shields do not replace the need for face masks such as N95s but do offer splash protection and can extend the useful life of N95 respirators and surgical masks. 


Long term care facilities facing shortages of face masks and other PPE should continue efforts to obtain N95s and other PPE, even if they order the MIT face shields. The face shields cost $348.75 for a box of 125 ($2.79 each). Learn more and access their order form at   mitshield.com .

ALL PPE

IronMark.  In an effort to support the thousands of healthcare, medical staff and essential business workers in protecting themselves in this critical time, IronMark has leveraged their existing manufacturer relationships to source and make available PPE supplies and gear. Ironmark is committed to making these much needed supplies available to you, to protect the teams of heroes on, and supporting, the front line.

Please contact   Larry Davis  for additional information on   Gowns, Masks ,  Shields , and  Goggles. 


Hatch Exhibits in Elkridge, MD  is working with supply chain personnel at several local medical facilities in the Baltimore/Washington area as well as facilities in Michigan. Hatch is currently filling orders on a first-come, first-served basis for overnight or next day delivery. Please contact Tracy McCormick at  [email protected]  for additional information or to place an order.


CLEANING AND DISINFECTING COMPANIES

Gordon
410-739-4432


Josh Rafter
Cell: 410-458-6180


Jim Reynolds
410-589-5999
(or)
Kevin Holmboe
410-271-0268
Proper Use of PPE Reminder

AHCA/NCAL has heard from CMS that a common theme they are finding during COVID-19 infection control focused surveys are PPE not being used correctly, including donning and doffing procedures. Surveyors are having staff demonstrate handwashing and donning and doffing of PPE. 

We encourage you to review with your teams the appropriate way to apply and remove all PPE, including gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection. Performing observations yourself can be helpful to prepare staff for surveyor observation and to quickly correct any practices needing improvement.

  • These documents can be printed and posted in your center to ensure your staff are aware of how to appropriately don PPE. 

  • These documents can be printed off and posted in your center to ensure your staff are aware of how to appropriately doff PPE.  

  • The following video explains how to do hand hygiene and donning/doffing PPE appropriately. 

COVID-19 Resource Request Process Reminder

As we have previously shared, The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) is working closely with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to organize emergency suppliers of equipment and services that will aid in the response to the COVID-19 crisis.

If your organization needs personal protective equipment (PPE), please fill out the    Emergency Medical Material request form    and send it to your local Emergency Operations Center. Please see the   contact list.


Thank you to all of you and your staff for providing these essential services. Please direct questions to your local emergency management contact.
HFAM cannot guarantee the availability of any supplies or equipment. These resources are provided as an addition to your current PPE suppliers. HFAM will not profit financially from sales made from these vendors.
CMS COVID-19 Stakeholder Engagement Calls – Week of 4/27/20

CMS hosts varied recurring stakeholder engagement sessions to share information related to the agency’s response to COVID-19. These sessions are open to members of the healthcare community and are intended to provide updates, share best practices among peers, and offer attendees an opportunity to ask questions of CMS and other subject matter experts.

Call details are below. Conference lines are limited so you are highly encouraged to join via audio webcast, either on your computer or smartphone web browser. Calls recordings and transcripts are posted on the CMS podcast page HERE .

 
CMS COVID-19 Office Hours Calls (Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 – 6:00 PM Eastern)
Office Hour Calls provide an opportunity for hospitals, health systems, and providers to ask questions of agency officials regarding CMS’s temporary actions that empower local hospitals and healthcare systems to:
  • Increase Hospital Capacity – CMS Hospitals Without Walls;
  • Rapidly Expand the Healthcare Workforce;
  • Put Patients Over Paperwork; and
  • Further Promote Telehealth in Medicare
 
Tuesday, April 28th at 5:00 – 6:00 PM Eastern
Toll Free Attendee Dial In: 833-614-0820; 
Access Passcode: 5787874
 
Thursday, April 30th at 5:00 – 6:00 PM Eastern
Toll Free Attendee Dial In: 833-614-0820; 
Access Passcode: 7476619
 

Lessons from the Front Lines: COVID-19 (Fridays at 12:30 – 2:00 PM Eastern)
Lessons from the Front Lines calls are a joint effort between CMS Administrator Seema Verma, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, MD, and the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Physicians and other clinicians are invited to share their experience, ideas, strategies, and insights with one another related to their COVID-19 response. There is an opportunity to ask questions of presenters.

Friday, May 1st at 12:30 – 2:00 PM Eastern
Toll Free Attendee Dial-In: 877-251-0301; 
Access Code: 9545128


Weekly COVID-19 Care Site-Specific Calls
CMS hosts weekly calls for certain types of organizations to provide targeted updates on the agency’s latest COVID-19 guidance. One to two leaders in the field also share best practices with their peers. There is an opportunity to ask questions of presenters if time allows.

Home Health and Hospice (Tuesdays at 3:00 PM Eastern)
Tuesday, April 28th at 3:00 – 3:30 PM Eastern
Toll Free Attendee Dial-In: 833-614-0820; 
Access Passcode: 1854778
 
Nursing Homes (Wednesdays at 4:30 PM Eastern)
Wednesday, April 29th at 4:30 – 5:00 PM Eastern
Toll Free Attendee Dial-In: 833-614-0820; 
Access Passcode: 4680237

Dialysis Organizations (Wednesdays at 5:30 PM Eastern)
Wednesday, April 29th at 5:30 – 6:00 PM Eastern
Toll Free Attendee Dial-In: 833-614-0820; 
Access Passcode: 6965645
 
Nurses (Thursdays at 3:00 PM Eastern)
Thursday, April 30th at 3:00 – 3:30 PM Eastern
Toll Free Attendee Dial-In: 833-614-0820; 
Access Passcode: 4268398
Did you miss HFAM's previous alerts?

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.