Coronavirus Update #227
Provider Relief Fund Update, MDH Updates, MDH Webinar Recap,
Other COVID Updates, and Upcoming Webinar
Provider Relief Fund Reporting Registration Update  

HHS recently launched the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Portal, which is only open for providers to set up user accounts and register to submit reports. Currently, HHS has not established a registration deadline or set a due date for first reports. The original due date was February 15, but that has been pushed back to a date still to be determined. 

If you are experiencing issues after reviewing the Reporting Registration FAQs and contacting the Provider Support line at (866) 569-3522, note that HHS has not set a deadline for registration. 

The current open-ended registration window gives AHCA/NCAL time to address the registration glitches with HHS, as well as several other challenging registration features such as having a unique username and email address for each TIN.

If you have questions, suggestions or recommendations for other changes to the registration guidance, please email covid19@ahca.org.​ 
Updates from the Maryland Department of Health

Pay for Performance Scores: Today the Maryland Department of Health shared this transmittal regarding P4P scores. Please note that 2020 P4P results will not be mailed. Instead, results will be distributed by way of Myers and Stauffer's web portal that is used to convey rates. Providers should receive an email with a notice that a new file has been posted. Once the user signs into the web portal, they may download the file. 

FY 2021 Rates as of January 1, 2021: The Maryland Department of Health also released today this Nursing Home Transmittal #278 regarding the 4 percent budget increase effective 1/1/2021.  

COVID-19 Revenue Supplemental Schedule: Earlier this week, the Maryland Department of Health shared this memorandum notifying nursing facilities of a supplemental schedule to collect COVID-19 revenue data. As noted in the memorandum, the information requested on the supplemental schedule is similar to the information required for federal post-payment reporting requirements. This COVID-19 Questionnaire and Revenue Schedule may also be found on the Myers & Stauffer website at www.mslc.com/maryland.  Myers & Stauffer is hosting a webinar in mid-February 2021 to review the supplemental schedule and address provider questions. Details on registering for the webinar are forthcoming.
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:

  • Maryland Epi Updates
  • Vaccine Updates
  • Maryland Updates
  • CDC Updates
  • CRISP Updates
  • LTC 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.
Other COVID-19 Updates

Executive Order Issued to Protect Worker Safety and Health: President Biden issued an Executive Order on protecting worker health and safety. Read More

Preparing for Onsite Vaccination Clinics: As LTC facilities prepare for second vaccination clinics through the CDC’s Pharmacy Partnership for LTC Program, it’s important to provide accurate and timely information to your matched pharmacy. Read More 

Reporting Possible Adverse Events Post-Vaccination to the CDC: The CDC is closely monitoring COVID-19 vaccine safety through several robust monitoring systems. Read More 

Workforce Updates: With the start of the new year and passing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021, there have been some important changes to rules providing relief due to COVID-19. Read More 

NHSN Offers Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Data Reporting: LTC facilities can track weekly COVID-19 vaccination data for health care personnel and residents through the National Healthcare Safety Network. Read More 

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 4 PM ET 
Hosted by CMS, CDC, and the Consumer Voice 

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.

As COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out to skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities across the country, providers are working hard to educate their staff and residents about the safety and benefits of the vaccine. AHCA/NCAL has updated its tactics for effectively communicating with staff to reflect best practices gathered from providers across the country.

To view all the materials please visit www.ahcancal.org/getvaccinated.
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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.