COVID-19 UPDATE #214
December 21, 2021
COVID-19 EMERGENCY FUNDING EXTENDED THROUGH MARCH 2022
The Office of Financial Management has approved the extension of emergency COVID-19 Medicaid funds that were slated to expire on December 31, 2021. The current rate of $4.79 per Medicaid day for assisted living, and $8.33 per Medicaid resident day for skilled nursing facilities is maintained through March 2022. We appreciate the extension and will continue to work with key legislators to ensure these emergency dollars are available to providers caring for our most vulnerable.
STAFFING SHORTAGE RESOURCE
We encourage all long term care facilities who are seeking healthcare staffing resources to submit a request through the emergency volunteer health practitioner program system, WAserv. Since October 2021, WAserv has seen an increase in the number of registered practitioners, including NAs, NA-Cs, and HCAs. Facilities may benefit from submitting new requests, even if you have submitted a request in the past that was not filled.

Requesting volunteers begins with submitting a request to your local emergency management organization or local health jurisdiction. See the WAserv fact sheet for instructions and details. Tribal nations have the sovereign authority to set and follow their own processes for requests, and may reach out directly to their state, local authorities, or local health care coalitions. Health care facilities who want to request approved volunteers, must complete a health care facilities request form. Facilities requesting to activate specific volunteers should follow the guidance document, Health Care Facility Options for Requesting Health Care Providers. Please be aware that you will likely need to pay volunteers and will get the best response if you are able to cover lodging for them as well.

If you have questions or would like additional information about the WAserv volunteer health practitioner system program, please contact Jordan.Kizer@doh.wa.gov or Deana.Gantar@doh.wa.gov.
NOW AVAILABLE: TOWN HALL RECORDING AND NEW BOOSTER HANDOUT
Earlier this week, AHCA/NCAL, LeadingAge, and the AARP co-hosted and recorded a town hall featuring Admiral Rachel L. Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps to answer questions about the Omicron variant, boosters, and why we need to step up the timeline to get the booster. Walter Ramos, President and CEO of Rogerson Communities, spoke about his experience encouraging booster uptake; a family member of a current nursing home resident shared as well. Each speaker also provided information on why a booster is so critical, given the spread of Omicron. 

AHCA/NCAL has also updated its handout on the importance of boosters based on the latest data considering the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. This handout, as well as other resources, is available on the #GetVaccinated website.
FEMA RV COMES TO SEATTLE TO ASSIST WITH COVID-19 VACCINE AND BOOSTER DEMANDS
The federal government has sent a FEMA RV to Seattle to help improve access to vaccine and better meet current booster demands. The vehicles are intended to serve whole families, so they provide for all who are eligible (child through adult). Please share this information, a list of dates, times, and locations for the FEMA RV, with anybody looking to schedule appointments. Appointments can be made via the Vaccinate WA: Find COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Near You.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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.