There are more questions than answers about Governor Inslee’s proclamation requiring all health care workers, state employees, and certain others to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and be fully vaccinated by October 18, 2021. We are hearing from our members who are gravely worried about potential staff losses related to Governor Inslee’s proclamation requiring mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for healthcare workers. We are committed to helping the Governor and his staff understand the impact of this sweeping requirement, and to that end, we are asking our member facilities to provide us with baseline data related to potential staff losses.

As we continue to engage in conversations about the COVID-19 response and the impact it has on long term care providers, we know that having accurate and credible data is vital. Every assisted living and skilled nursing facility member will be receiving an invitation to complete baseline and follow up surveys related to vaccination-related labor impacts. We believe your participation is critical. Email Brenda Orffer or Lauri St. Ours if you have questions or need additional information.

In a Dear Administrator letter dated August 12, 2021, assisted living providers are notified of one-time admission incentive payments available if they admit Medicaid-eligible residents from an acute-care hospital. Due to the prolonged State of Emergency for all counties throughout Washington State related to COVID-19 and ongoing capacity challenges in acute hospitals, another round of funding to support hospital capacity has been approved 08/12/2021 through 9/30/2021. Please note, these incentives are available for residents who qualify for and receive Medicaid benefits.

Effective with new transitions August 12 through September 30, 2021, HCS will implement a tiered assisted living facility admission incentive. Assisted living facilities newly admitting individuals to assisted living facilities from acute-care hospitals during this period will receive a one-time incentive payment (per qualifying admission) as stated below:

All assisted living facility admission, transfer and discharge rules continue to apply. If you have questions, please email Kelli Emans at HCS.

The Department of Health (DOH) has prepared information for long term care facilities to help them prepare for possible booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. While there has been no change in the recommendations related to boosters at this time, the information provided can help facilities prepare for if or when there is a change or a recommendation for boosters. If you have any questions please contact Elena Madrid or Vicki McNealley

Note: This corrected bulletin includes working links to the CR-103 emergency rule filing order and the emergency rule language.

What: Stay Vigilant Against COVID-19. Prepare. Protect. Prevent. Webinar

When: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 7 AM PST

RSVP: Deadline Monday, August 16, 2021 at 2 PM PST

To RSVP, please fill out this form to ensure you are on the attendee list. You must use your work email address and attend the webinar using that same email address. Please note, NO personal emails or phone numbers will be allowed into the webinar.

You will receive the webinar link on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.​​​ Register here.

Greg Keller, Senior Vice President of National Sales for Sysco, has issued a memo for all Sysco customers letting them know they are ramping up communications with customers. Communications will include delivery windows and order allocation information so that facilities can take any necessary actions to subsidize food and grocery deliveries. The communications will also include customer service numbers for quick access to help if needed by providers.

A fourth handout offers employer mandate best practices for providers who are considering implementing such a policy. The handout covers how to roll out the policy to staff, encourages ongoing educational efforts, and offers communication strategies. AHCA/NCAL also advises providers to break down possible barriers for staff in accessing the vaccine, know the legal parameters of mandates, and manage personnel records appropriately.  Find additional #GetVaccinated resources here.

The CDC recently updated its Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People with considerations for people who are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease. People who are at increased risk for severe disease include older adults and those who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, obesity or are overweight, and heart conditions. Specifically, the CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people who are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease should continue to wear a mask, distance, and avoid crowds or poorly ventilated indoor spaces. For more information, please review the CDC’s Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People. 

The data entered into the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) provides critical information to public health officials to coordinate and deploy vaccination supply and administer support. All NHSN facility users should have received an email from NHSN detailing the importance of accurate and timely information on COVID-19 vaccine supply. Facilities experiencing COVID-19 vaccine supply issues should contact their local or state jurisdiction for assistance.  

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.