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Hello, just a reminder you are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in the West Virginia Primary Care Association. Don't forget to add
paula.beasley@wvpca.org to your
address book, so you don't miss any issues of the WVPCA Weekly Outlook!
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WVPCA Weekly Outlook Newsletter
A Newsletter on Community Centered Healthcare
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Quick Links: In This Issue.....
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In first "baby step" to restart state, elective surgeries to resume after month hiatus
Read the entire article from
Charleston Gazette-Mail
here.
Update: Alecto says it is working to return CARES Act funding
Read the entire article from
WVNews
here.
Read the entire article from The New Yorker
here.
Antibody Test, Seen as Key to Reopening Country, Does Not Yet Deliver
Read the entire article from the New York Times
here.
McDonald's offers health care workers, first responders free 'Thank You Meals'
Read the entire article from WOWKTV here.
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N95 masks can only be decontaminated, reworn 2 or 3 times safely, study shows
A National Institutes of Health study shows that N95 masks can be decontaminated and reused safely only two or three times, according to MedPage Today.
The study, which has not been peer-reviewed, analyzed four readily available and often used N95 mask decontamination methods, including ultraviolet light, a 70 percent ethanol solution, heat treatment and vaporized hydrogen peroxide.
Researchers found that ultraviolet light and vaporized hydrogen peroxide both killed the virus on N95 masks without affecting the functional integrity of the masks for two rounds of decontamination, compared to control masks that were not treated. Filtration remained "acceptable" after the mask was reused a third time when those two methods of decontamination were used.
The decontamination method using vaporized hydrogen peroxide was the faster than the ultraviolet light method, eliminating viral growth in about 10 minutes, MedPage Today reports.
The study also examined two other methods: using a 70 percent ethanol solution sprayed on the mask until saturated and heat treatment in an oven set to 158 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
The ethanol decontaminated the masks quickly but did not preserve the functional integrity; the heat treatment was slow and took an hour to kill the virus but did preserve functional integrity for two rounds of decontamination, according to MedPage Today.
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FDA Approves First Saliva-Based COVID-19 Tests
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first saliva-based coronavirus test Monday under its emergency powers, Rutgers University announced. The new saliva-based test aims to allow for increased testing and safety for health professionals conducting screening.
The test, which was developed in partnership with Spectrum Solutions and Accurate Diagnostic Labs, will be available through hospitals and clinics associated with the university.
The Rutgers lab can process 10,000 patient samples per day, according to The Associated Press. The FDA instructed the lab that the test should be conducted only "in a healthcare setting under the supervision of a trained healthcare provider," according to the AP. It also directed that all patients who receive negative results from the saliva test must receive confirmation with another testing method. Read more.
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Feds warn of cybercriminals hitting hospitals during pandemic
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the FBI have issued warnings about cyberattackers targeting health systems during the pandemic.
An April 17 statement from Mr. Pompeo's came in response to a cyberattack against a hospital in the Czech Republic that crippled its ability to care for COVID-19 patients. He called upon the hackers responsible to stop cyberattacks against healthcare organizations worldwide, and encouraged all states "not to turn a blind eye" to cybercriminals targeting hospitals.
"The United States has zero tolerance for malicious cyber activity designed to undermine U.S. and international partners' efforts to protect, assist and inform the public during this global pandemic. Such activity against critical civilian infrastructure is deeply irresponsible and dangerous," the secretary's statement said.
The U.S. supports a "framework of responsible state behavior in cyberspace" and it would hold anyone not following that framework accountable, he said.
The FBI also said cybercrimes reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center have spiked since the pandemic began and that it is receiving 3,000 to 4,000 cybersecurity complaints daily, according to
The Hill
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COVID-19/ NOVEL CORONAVIRUS Pandemic
As you know, information on coronavirus is changing daily. The WVPCA is working with Federal, State, and local health officials in emergency preparedness activities as well as disseminating appropriate and current information to our Community Health Centers. This includes up-to-date resources and policies to ensure the continued health and safety of the communities we serve.
Guidance and resource information can be found on the WVPCA website here and coronavirus.gov.
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WVPCA News
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Marketplace Assister Invitation
Please join this call featuring Marketplace updates and Timely Topics, in which we will review information you may find especially useful when helping consumers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including information on reporting life changes to the Marketplace, opportunities for special enrollment periods, and health insurance options for those who have lost employer-sponsored coverage.
Who should attend: Navigators and certified application counselors (CACs), agents, and brokers.
Friday, April 24 | 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
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CARE ACT Impact on ACA Subsidies
Please
click here
to read the notice from the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner about the CARES Act payments and the ACA Marketplace Subsidies.
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Important Changes to NCQA's Recognition Process in Response to COVID-19 Crisis
NCQA would like to express their support of everyone affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, especially the care teams who are on the front lines.
They recognize that patients are your priority during this time and that you might need to temporarily pause certain activities associated with your work as a Certified Content Expert (CCE). Although the situation is still evolving, NCQA is extending the March, June and September 2020 certification renewal terms into the fall.
- All CCEs with June 2020 certification end dates will be given a new temporary end date of November 30, 2020.
- All CCEs with September 2020 certification end dates will be given a new temporary end date of November 30, 2020.
During this extension, affected CCEs will maintain active status with all access and benefits associated with certification.
If you are a CCE with an end date that falls within the affected period, your new certification renewal window will open ninety days prior to the temporary end date. Once you are within the renewal window and have met the MOC requirements, the My CEC Certification Renewal window will allow you to renew certification. Upon initial renewal, the system will assign you a certification end date of December 31, 2022. After renewal, they will adjust your end date back to align with your original renewal cycle.
NCQA will notify you when your certification end date has been updated, so you can download your new PCMH Content Expert Certification certificate from My CEC with your correct start and end dates.
Please see
NCQA's coronavirus response page
to learn how changes to their Recognition process in response to the COVID-19 crisis could affect your NCQA Recognition activities.
If you have any questions or if you would like to renew your certification before the new adjust renewal window, please contact them through
My NCQA
so they can adjust your account.
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Announcing 2017 Standards Training
The West Virginia Primary Care Association (WVPCA), the District of Columbia Primary Care Association (DCPCA), and the Mid-Atlantic Community Health Centers (MACHC) are excited to provide our members with the
National Committee on Quality Assurance's (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) 2017 Standards Training Tuesday, July 14 - Thursday, July 16, 2020
. The training will be conducted in-person by NCQA's own expert staff members. Our PCAs have worked collaboratively to bring this special training opportunity to our members.
Please see the
"HRSA-Supported NCQA PCMH Training Fact Sheet"
for additional information about this training such as training description, agenda, Continuing Education Credit, and benefits of PCMH. Additional information can be found at the WVPCA website here.
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How You(th) Are the Key to Tackling
the Stigma on Mental Health
The stigma on mental health, specifically within a school setting, aids in the already challenging task of treating common mental health needs among adolescents. Led by the School-Based Health Alliance's Youth Advisory Council (YAC), this webinar will provide youth testimonials on SBHC work within this vital treatment area; tools and resources to aid in the development of language and programming to combat the stigma; and discuss how SBHCs are the ideal location for staff and youth to collaboratively address the stigma-leading to greater success in school and in life.
How You(th) Are the Key to Tackling the Stigma on Mental Health
Hosted by the School-Based Health Alliance, a HRSA-funded NCA
Friday, May 1 | 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
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Working and Learning from Home
To help contain COVID-19, West Virginia schools have moved children to online learning at home. In addition, many parents are being asked to work from home. These forms of social distancing are needed to help slow the spread of the virus and prevent overloading the health care system.
But many families now face new challenges: how do we care for our children while working and schooling at home, and not panic during this unprecedented outbreak?
The first step: take a deep breath. Know that we are all in this together. And together we will get through it.
Click here for other ti
ps from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help you cope with this "new normal" until the virus is under control.
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State News
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WV Project ECHO beginning weekly sessions on COVID-19 pandemic
WVCTSI's WV Project ECHO will be hosting weekly sessions in April devoted to combating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These remote sessions will allow healthcare providers from across the state to ask patient questions and learn best practices from a panel of expert hub members. Sessions will take place from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. every Thursday in April.
Interested participants can email Jay Mason , assistant director of WV Project ECHO, at jdmason@hsc.wvu.edu with any questions.
Cases can be submitted online here.
(This session is temporarily replacing the Chronic Pain and HCV/HIV sessions normally held on Thursdays, so please disregard any information about chronic pain on submission form.)
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Ending the HIV Epidemic: Boot Camp for Community Health Centers Wednesday Webinar Series
The West Virginia Primary Care Association, the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers, and the MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center have created this six-part webinar series for Community Health Centers who have an integral role in Ending the HIV Epidemic. Participants will hear from fellow Community Health Centers and clinic leaders for a strategy-gathering information exchange to learn more about HIV Routine Testing, Implementation of Routine Testing, Importance of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and how to access funding for PrEP. The webinars will be an hour in length and will include Q&A as well as audience interaction via polling.
Wednesday June 3, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Vital Role of Community Health Centers in Ending the HIV Epidemic
Wednesday June 10, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
HIV Routine Testing: Why It's Important
Wednesday June 17, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Implementation of HIV Routine Testing in your Community Health Center
Wednesday June 24, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Importance of PrEP in Primary Care - A Rural Clinic's Perspective
Wednesday July 8, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Importance of PrEP in Primary Care - An Urban Clinic's Perspective
Wednesday July 15, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Accessing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Billing and Coding
Register here.
Please refer to the event's registration page for credit information.
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National News
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Senate passes $484B coronavirus relief deal with more aid
The Senate passed a $484 billion aid package this week that renews funding for a small-business loan program, boosts aid for hospitals and expands testing for COVID-19.
The Senate unanimously approved the bill, called the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, after more than a week of negotiations between lawmakers and the Trump administration. The bill now heads to the House, which plans to approve it by April 23, according to
CNBC.
The aid deal includes more than $320 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses, $60 billion for the small-business disaster fund, $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion to ramp up COVID-19 testing, according to
NPR.
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Deadline Extensions
Applications for medical malpractice coverage under the FTCA are open in EHBs. We've extended the completion deadline to Monday, July 13.
HRSA guidance for both new applications (deeming) and renewal of existing coverage (redeeming) for health center staff is available in Program Assistance Letter (PAL) 2020-02.
Details about coverage for health center volunteer health professionals are available in PAL 2020-03. The HRSA website has more details about the application process, including a recorded TA webinar.
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Empowerment and Self-Management of Diabetes: The Role of Pharmacists in Diabetes Care
The National Center for Health in Public Housing, a HRSA-funded NCA, presents a learning collaborative for pharmacists. It will equip them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to provide effective, evidence-based diabetes care in Health Center settings. Learn more or register now.
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Budget Period
Progress Reports
In order to provide flexibility as health centers focus on the COVID-19 crisis, HRSA is extending the deadline of the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Budget Period Progress Report (BPR) non-competing continuation for award recipients with a September 1, 2020, budget period start date (5-H80-20-007).
Submissions are now due in EHBs by 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, May 1. TA materials are available on the BPR TA webpage.
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Apply Now to the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program
Medical and dental school students, do you want to provide care where you're needed most? We will support you by paying your tuition, fees, and other educational costs and by providing you a living stipend.
In exchange, you agree to serve at least two years at National Health Service Corps-approved sites in underserved rural, urban, and tribal communities.
Applications are now due Friday, May 15.
Learn more
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
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Join a webinar presented by the HRSA Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health TA. Presenters will share strategies that health centers can use to assess their organization's level of behavioral health integration and identify strategies and resources they can use to guide telehealth billing during COVID-19.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
3:0 PM - 4:0 PM ET
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Many upcoming
trainings and events
have been canceled
or postponed due
to the COVID-19 emergency.
It is best
to call
ahead or check
with the organizer's websites and contacts to verify the status
of ALL events
and trainings
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Join
Flattening the COVID-19 Curve: Latest Update:
The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), a HRSA-funded National Cooperative Agreement (NCA), hosts weekly webinars on Thursdays through April.
Thursday, April 30, 2020 |1:00 PM ET
Safer at Home? COVID-19
and Domestic Violence
In this webinar, we will seek to understand why domestic/family/intimate partner violence is so prevalent during this time and what we, as service providers, can do to prevent and address this issue now and in the aftermath of the crisis.
Thursday, April 30, 2020 | 2:00 PM ET
Register here
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Funding and Financial Resources
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WVCTSI announces COVID-19 funding opportunity
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute has released a request for applications (RFA) for research projects related to enhancing understanding of this public health crisis.
The Pop-Up COVID-19 funding opportunity will provide up to $30,000 for projects that show significant scientific merit and will enhance the understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding received must be utilized within a 12-month project period. Detailed instructions, eligibility information, and a complete RFA can be found on the
Pop-Up COVID-19 funding opportunity webpage.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 21, 2020. Questions related to this funding opportunity should be directed to Camille Charlier, MS, WVCTSI pilot grant program coordinator, at ccharlie@hsc.wvu.edu.
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Capital Link COVID-19 Funding & Financing Resources
Capital Link has added a COVID-19 Resources page to their website with a collection of organizations and lenders that are providing funding for health centers in immediate need of financial assistance. Their upcoming webinars and learning collaborative sessions that are scheduled over the next few weeks will include information that is tailored to the current circumstances health centers are currently experiencing in this pandemic, in-line with resources and guidance from NACHC and HRSA.
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USDA Announces Second Application Window for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program Funding
The USDA Rural Development announced a second application window for funding under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program due to the current public health emergency. This program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. Eligible applicants include most entities that provide education or health care through telecommunications. Apply by Monday, July 13.
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Technical Assistance for COVID-19 and CARES Supplemental Funding for Health Centers
The COVID-19 (H8C) and CARES (H8D) awards are separate grants from the H80 operational award. This webpage describes how award recipients can add the H8C and H8D grant folder to their HRSA Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) portfolio.
CARES Supplemental Funding for Health Centers Q&A Session
Monday, April 27 | 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the webcast the day of the session: Call-in: 888-469-2076 Passcode: 6250835
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Community Health Center Resources
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Jackson Kelly attorneys provide limited consultation to all members of the WVPCA at no charge, as part of the WVPCA contract. There is no limit to the number of calls which any member may make. All inquiries within the scope of professional competence of firm attorneys will be addressed. Inquiries which require expertise not available through the firm will be promptly identified and, when requested, Jackson Kelly will assist in referring the matter to accounting firms, insurance agents, or others as circumstances warrant.
All inquiries, responses and consultation services provided by the firm lawyers will be provided without additional charge beyond the retainer amount, except for matters which require formal opinions, representation of record in litigation, transactional work, e.g. the purchase or sale of real property, or matters which require continued representation, research or consultation beyond a single inquiry or document review.
Justin M. Harrison is a labor & employment lawyer with Jackson Kelly PLLC. He is available for consultation through a special retainer relationship with the WVPCA.
Justin can be reached at 304.340.1358 and via email at justin.harrison@jacksonkelly.com.
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Risk Management Manual for Health Centers Now Available!
The
Risk Management Manual for Health Centers is now available on the ECRI Institute Clinical Risk Management Program website! Designed to support a proactive approach to risk management at health centers and free clinics, the Manual provides background, tips, and how-tos in a manageable format.
Specific areas that are covered include:
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Risk Management Programs & Plans
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Claims and Lawsuits
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Role of the Risk Manager
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Patient Grievances and Complaints
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Communication with Patients
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Credentialing and Privileging
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Communication among Providers, Staff, and Community Partners
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Tracking Systems for Diagnostic Tests, Referrals, and Hospitalizations
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COVID-19 Resources for Health Centers
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ECRI Institute
Federally qualified health centers and free clinics are on the front line in testing and treating patients who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Use these resources to keep your staff and patients safe:
In addition, ECRI's COVID-19 Resource Center includes free resources addressing the provision of clinical care and managing the supply chain. Updated several times per week, highlights include:
Additional guidance is available directly from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), including:
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WVPCA Staff
Debra Boyd | Chief Financial/Chief Operations Officer
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To sign up to receive the WVPCA Weekly Newsletter, click
HERE
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West Virginia Primary Care Association
1700 MacCorkle Ave. Charleston, WV 25314| (304) 346-0032 |
WWW.WVPCA.ORG
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This project is/was supported partially/fully by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U58CS06834 State and Regional Primary Care Associations. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
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