COVID-19 UPDATE #255
July 26, 2022
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LTC ADMISSIONS FROM THE HOSPITAL |
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WHCA has been notified by several hospital systems, REDi Healthcare Coalition, and the Healthcare Alliance that long term care facilities are refusing to admit patients from the hospital if the patient is COVID positive or had a COVID exposure and has not quarantined for the full length of time (depending on up-to-date status or non-vaccinated patients) prior to initiating discharge to long term care. The Department of Health (DOH) guidance in the Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings (pages 31-32) is clear that quarantine prior to discharge is not required prior to accepting admissions.
Hospitals are at very high capacity right now and are asking providers to please follow the DOH guidance and help relieve the capacity strains so persons facing acute care needs can access needed treatment. If you are unable to admit due to staffing, please let them know this is the reason the facility is denying admission. If you have questions, please email Elena Madrid or call her at (800) 562-6170, extension 105.
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DOH CONTINUES SUPPORT OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM NEEDS IN LTC |
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The DOH Occupational Health Team will continue to support long term care facilities with their respiratory protection program needs. If your facility needs assistance with your written program, facility specific training, medical evaluations for your workers, fit testing (new or annual) and/or fit test training, please email HAI-FitTest@doh.wa.gov. Visit the DOH website for more information.
New! The DOH Occupational Health Team will be hosting monthly 30 minute, Lunch & Learn sessions on specific respiratory protection topics. The first Lunch & Learn will be on August 17, 2022, starting promptly at 12:05 PM. Bring your topic questions to the Lunch a& Learn, or email them ahead of time to HAI-FitTest@doh.wa.gov. Register to join by clicking here.
- August 17 – What makes a good RPA (Respirator Program Administrator)?
- September 21 – Tips on Using the 3M System for Medical Evaluations
- October 19 – Medical Evaluation Referrals
- November 16 – Respirator Job Accommodations
- December 21 – Recordkeeping
- January 18 ,2023 – Fit Testing Tips
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DEAR ADMINISTRATOR LETTER UPDATES PROVIDERS ON VACCINATION EXPECTATIONS FOR SURVEYORS |
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A Dear Administrator letter dated July 22, 2022, to skilled nursing providers rescinds ALTSA: NH #2022-014 and ALTSA: ICF/IID #2022-004. On June 16, 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published QSO-22- 18-ALL, which rescinded QSO-22-10-ALL regarding vaccination expectations for surveyors performing federal oversight activities. The new memo clarifies that state survey agencies are responsible for compliance with surveyor vaccination requirements. In addition, CMS explains the guidance does not include the possibility for penalties for non-compliance and prohibits facilities from asking about surveyor vaccination status.
This guidance is in addition to the Governor’s August 9, 2021, Proclamation 21-14 requiring most employees and private health care and long term care workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. If you have questions, please email Molly McClintock, Nursing Home Policy Program Manager, or call her at (360) 742-6966. |
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NHSN CLARIFIES DEFINITION OF UP-TO-DATE VACCINATION IN COVID-19 VACCINATION MODULES |
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In June 2022, the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) began using the updated definition of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All facility types reporting data through the COVID-19 Vaccination Module must use the updated definition.
Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination includes:
- An individual who has received all doses in the primary series and all recommended booster doses, when eligible.
- Most individuals who are 50 years and older and have received a second booster dose.
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Reporting of up-to-date vaccination status is summarized in the table found here.
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CBIC ANNOUNCES BETA TESTING FOR LTC CERTIFICATION IN INFECTION PREVENTION |
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The LTC-CIP is the first certification to specifically measure competencies necessary to protect long term care residents from infection. Before the LTC-CIP is officially released, CBIC needs your help in beta testing the examination. Beta testing is conducted to collect data and evaluate the performance of newly developed examination items. Candidates who participate in the beta examination will be offered a reduced application fee of $275.
The beta test application will close on October 3, 2022, with the beta testing period taking place September 15, 2022, through October 15, 2022. The examination will be offered at Prometric testing centers worldwide or can be taken at home via Prometric’s live remote proctoring platform. At the conclusion of the beta test, the passing standard will be created and validated by a panel of qualified subject matter experts. Results from the beta test will be released in early January 2023.
To be eligible to take the long term care exam, you must meet ALL the following requirements at the time of application:
- Completed post-secondary education in a health-related field including but not limited to medicine, nursing degree/nursing diploma, laboratory technology, public health, or biology. Post-secondary includes public or private universities, colleges, community colleges etc.
- Responsibility for the infection prevention and control programs/activities in a long term care setting. Candidates will fill out an attestation form confirming this information.
Eligible for the LTC-CIP and interested in applying for the beta test? Apply online today.
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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. |
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