HHS EXTENDS COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY THROUGH OCTOBER 18, 2021
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra extendedthe ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) for an additional 90 days. The new expiration date for the COVID-19 PHE is now set for Monday, October 18, 2021. Currently, it is expected that HHS will continue to renew its declaration of the PHE every 90 days through the end of 2021 and will provide 60 days’ notice prior to ending the PHE.
As noted in previous communications from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), as long as the PHE is in place, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) may retain its 1135 waivers. However, CMS could decide to phase out other waivers prior to the end of the PHE if it determines they are no longer needed. CMS will continue to monitor the emergency blanket waivers and may provide future updates.
You can access more information regarding current waivers (including the three-day stay and nurse aide waiver) that remain in place. Members may email covid19@ahca.org with any questions.
DEAR ADMINISTRATOR LETTER CONFIRMS LTC PROCLAMATIONS REMAIN IN EFFECT
In a Dear Administrator letter dated July 16, 2021, all providers are notified that long term care proclamations relating to the COVID-19 pandemic remain in effect. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8304 extended all proclamations suspending or waiving specific long term care requirements until Governor Inslee formally lifts the state of emergency. The letter notes that while Governor Inslee decreased or removed a number of restrictions for the general public on June 30, 2021, he did not end the declared state of emergency and all long term care proclamations have not ended.
OSHA'S EMERGENCY TEMPORARY STANDARD RULE
IMPLEMENTATION DATE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 14, 2021
On June 21, 2021, OSHA published an interim final rule establishing an emergency temporary standard (ETS) to protect healthcare and healthcare support service workers from occupational exposure to COVID-19 in settings where people with COVID-19 are reasonably expected to be present. On July 14, OSHA made some changes to the ETS, which extends the comment period through August 14, 2021.
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Department of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH) is currently working on a draft rule that will be adopted and ready for implementation by August 14, 2021, for Washington employers. WHCA and ERNwest are in close contact with L&I on this issue, and will share any information we receive as soon as it is available.
DOH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WILDFIRE SMOKE AND COVID-19
The Department of Health (DOH) issued wildfire smoke guidance in 2020 that remains relevant and helpful to providers this year. The wildfire season brings various challenges, and the DOH has resources to help you navigate. They have updated the page as of Monday, July 19, 2021, to reflect new information for 2021. They have provided guidance for event and school closures due to wildfire smoke impacts along with the Recommendations for Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19 During the 2020 Wildfire Season.
COMAGINE PROVIDES WEBINAR RECORDING AND SLIDES TO HELP SNFs
Comagine recently hosted a two-part webinar series focused on infection prevention sustainability in skilled nursing facilities. They are providing a link to the recording of each session along with the slides for the benefit of any skilled nursing professional.
Top Infection Prevention F-Tags in Clinical Areas | Recording | Slides
Top Infection Prevention F-Tags in Non-Clinical Areas | Recording | Slides
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.
