COVID-19 UPDATE #249
June 15, 2022
DEAR ADMINISTRATOR LETTER REGARDING REINSTATEMENT OF WACS RELATED TO FIRE DRILLS AND WINDOWS IN RESIDENT ROOMS IN SNFs
In a Dear Administrator letter dated June 10, 2022, skilled nursing providers are informed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released QSO-22-15-NH & NLTC & LSC, announcing the lapse of the CMS 1135 blanket waivers related to emergency preparedness/fire drills and windows in resident rooms on June 7, 2022. The department filed WSR 22-12-059, effective June 7, 2022, which rescinds WSR 22-11-088, reimplementing the requirements related to fire drills and windows in resident rooms to align Washington State nursing home rules with federal rules.

The following WACs have been reinstated effective June 7, 2022:
  • WAC 388-97-1740 to remove the requirement for periodic fire drills. Documentation on training and responding to a fire is still required.
  • WAC 388-97-2400 to waive the requirement for a transparent glass window. This will increase the ability for facilities to temporarily increase capacity by utilizing windowless space for resident rooms.

Additionally, DSHS filed a CR-101 (WSR 20-21-034) on October 12, 2020 to begin permanent rule making on the above rules and other related rules. The letter also includes a link to the list of waivers that have ended (p. 16 of the document). If providers have questions, they can email Molly McClintock, Nursing Home Policy Program Manager, or call her at (360) 742-6966.
DOH OFFERS ipCHAT TEAM CALLS FOR SKILLED NURSING
The Department of Health (DOH) hosts twice-monthly Infection Prevention and Control Health Assistance Team (ipCHAT) Zoom calls for skilled nursing facilities to bring together experienced and novice infection preventionists to share challenges, solutions, and best practices. Skilled nursing facilities are required to meet federal regulatory standards for infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship, and the ipCHAT call series is a helpful resource. Click here for more information on the calls and how to join.
CDC OFFERING FREE WEBINAR ON AVAILABLE THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS FOR COVID-19
Medications are available that can reduce chances of severe illness and death from COVID-19 infection. Oral antivirals are available that can reduce chances of severe illness and death from COVID-19 infection. The Food & Drug Administration issued emergency use authorizations for certain antiviral medications and monoclonal antibodies to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get sick. The National Institutes of Health also provides COVID-19 treatment guidelines for healthcare providers for treating COVID-19 at home or in an outpatient setting. During this Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity call, subject matter experts will present an overview of COVID-19 therapeutic options, including indications, efficacy, and distribution.

On Thursday, June 16, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be offering a complimentary webinar at 11 AM PST. Registration is not required and you may click here for details on instructions for joining the webinar.
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.