General information & updates:

• USA.gov has the latest information about what the U.S. Government is doing in response to COVID-19.
• CDC.gov/coronavirus has the latest public health and safety information from CDC and for the overarching medical and health provider community on COVID-19.
• AHRQ.gov for additional resources available

Resource Emails 

CMS email address FOR COVID or regulatory questions: DNH_TRIAGETeam@CMS.HHS.GOV

Follow Social Media:

• Twitter: @CMSGov
• Twitter: @MedicareGov
• Twitter: @Medicaid.gov
• Facebook: Facebook.com/Medicare

CDC Additional Resources and Webinars

• Sparkling Surfaces – https://youtu.be/t7OH8ORr5Ig
• Clean Hands – https://youtu.be/xmYMUly7qiE
• Closely Monitor Residents – https://youtu.be/1ZbT1Njv6xA
• Keep COVID-19 Out! https://youtu.be/7srwrF9MGdw
• PPE Lessons – https://youtu.be/YYTATw9yav4
• Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html
• Additional Guidance for Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Settings:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/long-term-care.html
• Preparedness Checklist for Nursing Homes and Other Long-Term Care Settings: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/long-term-care-checklist.html
• CDC Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Burn Rate Calculator
• CDC Strategies to Optimize the Supply of PPE and Equipment

CMS Top Resources

Pathway Health Resources

Support to Navigate COVID-19 and Infection Control Regulations 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released a “Toolkit on State Actions to Mitigate COVID-19 Prevalence in Nursing Homes” November 2020. This Includes recent information and guidance on vaccinations to prevent infection with influenza virus, pneumococcus, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

This includes updated information for State Actions for COVID-19 Management and Response.

Pathway Health experts are ready to support your COVID-19 and Infection Control survey readiness and success. Contact us to learn more.

Leadership Strategies for Preparation and Response
Interim Policy for Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus
Optimizing PPE Eye Protection Face Shield
Optimizing PPE Face Mask
N95 Interim Covid-19 Policy
Interim Guidancee Death of Resident and DC to Funeral Home
Nasopharyngealoropharyngeal Swab Collection
Leadership T.H.I.N.K. Ahead Strategy Guide
DON and Doffing of PPE for Covid-19
Pandemic Competency Tool – Basic Nursing Skills – Non-Certified Caregiver
Interim Policy for Daily Wellness Checks al General

Current emergencies

Update 4/26/2023: Based on current COVID-19 trends, the Department of Health and Human Services is planning for the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, to expire at the end of the day on May 11, 2023. Learn more by reading Frequently Asked Questions: CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PDF) (PDF Updated 5/5/2023).

• Update: COVID Over The Counter Test Coverage (English PDF) (Spanish PDF) (4/28/2023)

Potential Impact of House Joint Resolution 7 (H.J.Res.7): In response to questions related to how the ending of the National Emergency by H.J.Res.7 impacts the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19, we wanted to share the following question and answer broadly:

What happens if a national emergency ends before the PHE ends?

To be clear, the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 declared under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, is not the same as the COVID-19 National Emergency declared by the Trump Administration in 2020 and implicated by H.J.Res.7. Therefore, an end to the COVID-19 National Emergency does not impact current operations at HHS, and does not impact the planned May 11 expiration of the federal PHE for COVID-19 or any associated unwinding plans. Even if the COVID-19 National Emergency were to end, any existing waivers currently in effect and authorized under the 1135 waiver authorization for the pandemic, would remain in place until the end of the federal PHE for COVID-19.

Current emergencies more…

Based on current COVID-19 trends, the Department of Health and Human Services is planning for the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, to expire at the end of the day on May 11, 2023. Learn more by reading What Do I Need to Know? CMS Waivers, Flexibilities and the Transition Forward from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Update regarding intent to end the national emergency and public health emergency declarations and extensions by way of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 Update: On Thursday, December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law H.R. 2716, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) for Fiscal Year 2023.

This legislation provides more than $1.7 trillion to fund various aspects of the federal government, including an extension of the major telehealth waivers and the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCaH) individual waiver that were initiated during the federal public health emergency (PHE). Additionally, on January 30, 2023, the Biden Administration announced its intent to end the national emergency and public health emergency declarations on May 11, 2023, related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CMS is committed to updating supporting resources and providing updates as soon as possible. Please continue to use the provider-specific fact sheets for information about COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) waivers and flexibilities: https://www.cms.gov/coronavirus-waivers.

Litigation Update for CMS Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Interim Final Rule:

UPDATE #4: As of January 19, 2022, there are no preliminary injunctions prohibiting implementation and enforcement of Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination, 86 Fed. Reg. 61,555, 61,556 (Nov. 5, 2021).  Please refer to CMS guidance for enforcement guidelines and timelines.

UPDATE #3: Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Missouri v. Biden on January 13, 2022, implementation and enforcement of Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination, 86 Fed. Reg. 61,555, 61,556 (Nov. 5, 2021) (the “Interim Final Rule” or “IFC”), remains preliminarily enjoined only in Texas.  Medicare and Medicaid-certified providers and suppliers in Texas are not yet required to comply with the Interim Final Rule, and surveyors will not investigate compliance with the rule in facilities located in Texas, pending future developments in the litigation.  Please refer to the Interim Final Rule and CMS guidance for further detail about implementation and enforcement timelines outside of Texas, as well as what is required at each phase of implementation.

UPDATE #2: As of December 15, 2021, following decisions by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth, Eighth, and Eleventh Circuits and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, implementation and enforcement of Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination, 86 Fed. Reg. 61,555, 61,556 (Nov. 5, 2021) (the “Interim Final Rule”), is preliminarily enjoined in the following twenty-five states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Medicare- and Medicaid-certified providers and suppliers in those states are not required to comply with the Interim Final Rule, and surveyors will not investigate compliance with the rule in facilities located in those states, pending future developments in the litigation.  In the other 25 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories, as an exercise of enforcement discretion, the rule will be implemented and enforced on the following modified timeline: the deadline for Phase 1 implementation is January 27, 2022, and the deadline for Phase 2 implementation is February 28, 2022.  Please refer to the Interim Final Rule and CMS guidance for further detail about what is required at each phase of implementation. Please note that the public comment period for the Interim Final Rule will close on January 4, 2022, as originally scheduled.

UPDATE #1: On November 29, 2021, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri issued a preliminary injunction against the implementation and enforcement in ten states of Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination, 86 Fed. Reg. 61,555, 61,556 (Nov. 5, 2021).  On November 30, 2021, the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana issued a nationwide preliminary injunction against the implementation and enforcement of the same rule, with the exception of the ten states covered under the first preliminary injunction.  CMS has appealed both of these decisions, and has filed motions for stays of these orders.  While CMS remains confident in its authority to protect the health and safety of patients in facilities funded by the Medicare and Medicaid programs, it has suspended activities related to the implementation and enforcement of this rule pending future developments in the litigation.  Please note that the comment period is separate from the litigation.

Find information and updates about current non-COVID natural disasters, man-made incidents (including cyber-attacks), and public health emergencies. Or, find more information about ongoing or past emergencies.

2020-2023

Coronavirus Disease 2019

When a national emergency was declared on March 13, 2020, we took action nationwide to aggressively respond to COVID-19.

• You can read the blanket waivers for COVID-19 in the List of Blanket Waivers (PDF) UPDATED (6/16/2022).

The Public Health Service Act was used to declare a public health emergency (PHE) in the entire United States on January 31, 2020 giving us the flexibility to support our beneficiaries, effective January 27, 2020.  The PHE was renewed on April 21, 2020, July 23, 2020, October 2, 2020, January 7, 2021,  April 15, 2021, July 19, 2021,  October 15, 2021, January 7, 2022, April 12, 2022 effective April 16, 2022, July 15, 2022, October 13, 2022 and January 11, 2023.

Read our Pandemic Plan (PDF).

Consumer information:

• Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Consumer Complaints FAQ (PDF) (2/17/22)
• Consumer Infographic on Temporary Laboratory Testing Sites (PDF) (2/24/22)
• For people with Medicare
• For people with Marketplace coverage

No Visitor Sign
to be used at entry points to notify the public that visitors are not allowed

COVID-19 Preparedness Checklist for Nursing Homes
and Other LTC/Senior Living Settings

CDC has released a “Frontline Staff Toolkit for Outpatient Hemodialysis Facilities.” This new resource highlights the importance of infection prevention and control practices in outpatient dialysis facilities to slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).  Staff who are having frequent patient interactions and providing direct care in outpatient hemodialysis facilities are encouraged to watch and learn more about everyday infection prevention practices, as well as some additional practices that are essential during COVID-19. These brief educational videos can be viewed as a set or in segments as time allows:

Tips for Outpatient Hemodialysis Facilities during COVID-19:

Video #1 – Infection Prevention Basics: Hand Hygiene & Environmental Disinfection
Video #2 – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Video #3 – Screening & Patient Placement

This toolkit is intended to be used along with other COVID-19 dialysis specific resources and ongoing activities within your clinic. A list of CDC key documents and practical tools is below for your reference.

1. Interim Additional Guidance for Infection Prevention and Control for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 in Outpatient Dialysis
2. COVID-19 Outpatient Dialysis Facility Preparedness Assessment Tool
3. Factsheet for Patients – Keeping Patients on Dialysis Safe
4. Factsheet for Facilities – How our facility is keeping patients safe from COVID-19
5. Presentation for Facilities- Preparing Outpatient Hemodialysis Facilities for COVID-19
6. COVID-19 Outpatient Dialysis Cleaning and Disinfection Webpage
7. Considerations for Patients on Home Dialysis Webpage
8. Screening Dialysis Patients for COVID-19 Webpage
9. Dialysis in Acute Care Webpage

Thank you for your work and the lifesaving care you provide to patients on dialysis. Please feel free to share these resources widely within the dialysis community.

Considerations for Interpreting Antigen Test Results in Nursing Homes

CDC Releases New Long-Term Care Vaccine Toolkit
Earlier today, the CDC released a new vaccine toolkit for long-term care providers. This toolkit offers administrators and clinical leadership additional information and resources to help build confidence in the vaccine among staff and residents.

• COVID-19 Vaccine Letter from CMD to Residents and Family 12012020.docx
• QA about the COVID-19 Vaccine for PALTC Patients Family Member and Staff 12012020 FINAL.pdf
• Strategies for Improving Staff Resident Confidence in COVID-19 Vaccine 12042020.pdf
• Consent Form for COVID-19 Phase 1 Phase 2.pdf

CDC in corroboration with NADONA and AMDA COVID-19 Tool Kit

CDC’s NHSN provides healthcare facilities, such as long term care facilities (LTCF) with a customized system to track infections and prevention process measures in a systematic way.

LTCF COVID-19 Module

Tracking this information allows facilities to identify problems, improve care, and determine progress toward facility and national healthcare-associated infection goals.

The NHSN Long-term Care Facility Component is supporting the nation’s COVID-19 response by introducing a new COVID-19 Module for Long Term Care Facilities. Facilities eligible to report into the COVID-19 Module include nursing homes/skilled nursing, long-term care for the developmentally disabled, and assisted living facilities.

COVID-19 Module Overview for LTCFs – May 2020
YouTube Link [Video – 84 min]
Slideset pdf icon[PDF – 7 MB]

COVID-19 Module Enrollment Guidance for LTCFs – May 2020
Slideset pdf icon[PDF – 4 MB]

Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Reporting

• 3 Ways to Report Vaccination Data
• What is the Person-Level form?
• How to access the Person-Level Forms?

Lists the COVID-19 vaccine products currently approved or authorized in the United States

Summary Document for Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized or Approved in the United States 

Changes to Nursing Programs’ Clinical Requirements in Response to COVID-19

Published October 11, 2021 · 2 Min Read

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the way people live, forcing everyone to adjust to a “new normal” of social distancing and staying at home as much as possible. The virus has also disrupted numerous industries, including education and healthcare.

As a result, many colleges and universities have transitioned to online learning. Although students and faculty in various disciplines have struggled to adjust to the new conditions, these changes present an especially large challenge for nursing and medical students. Aspiring nurses must complete their clinicals by working directly with patients at healthcare facilities. However, students can no longer complete this crucial part of their education as they have traditionally done.

“This is a real issue right now,” says Jennifer Olszewski, EdD, MSN, CRNP-BC, and clinical assistant professor and chair of the Accelerated Nursing program at Drexel University. “The possibility of delayed graduation if our clinical affiliates cannot accommodate student nurses is an issue we are planning for at this time.”

CMS will retire the original Compare Tools on December 1st

Use Medicare.gov’s Care Compare to find and compare health care providers.

In early September, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released Care Compare on Medicare.gov, which streamlines our eight original health care compare tools. Since then, you’ve had the opportunity to use and familiarize yourself with Care Compare while having the option to use the original compare tools, too. You’ve also been able to share feedback from a survey directly on Care Compare and we’ve received lots of great feedback so far.
The eight original compare tools – like Nursing Home Compare, Hospital Compare, Physician Compare – will be retired on December 1st, ending this transition period. If you haven’t been using Care Compare, we urge you to:

• Use Care Compare on Medicare.gov and encourage people with Medicare and their caregivers to start using it, too. Go to Medicare.gov and choose “Find care”.
• Update any links to the eight original care tools on your public-facing websites so they’ll direct your audiences to Care Compare.

Care Compare offers a new design that makes it easier to find the same information that’s on the original compare tools. It gives you, patients, and caregivers one user-friendly place to find cost, quality of care, service volume, and other CMS quality data to help make informed health care decisions.

Now, instead of having to search through many compare tools, with just one click on Care Compare, you’ll find easy-to-understand information about nursing homes, hospitals, doctors, and other health care providers.

Please remember that when we retire the 8 original compare tools, you will still be able to find information about health care providers and CMS quality data on Care Compare, as well as download CMS publicly reported data from the Provider Data Catalog on CMS.gov. Fully transitioning to these tools does not change how CMS measures quality.

In addition, we’ll continue to make improvements to Care Compare and the Provider Data Catalog based on stakeholder and consumer feedback now and in the future.   Direct links to the tools & additional resources

• Care Compare on Medicare.gov – https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/
• Provider Data Catalog on CMS.gov – https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/
• Care Compare resources for consumers and partners – Medicare blog, Promotional video, Conference card

Full Press Release: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-care-compare-empowers-patients-when-making-important-health-care-decisions

Coronavirus Disease Waiver

When a national emergency was declared on March 13, 2020, we took action nationwide to aggressively respond to COVID-19.

• You can read the blanket waivers for COVID-19 in the List of Blanket Waivers (PDF) UPDATED (10/13/2022).

The Public Health Service Act was used to declare a public health emergency (PHE) in the entire United States on January 31, 2020 giving us the flexibility to support our beneficiaries, effective January 27, 2020.  The PHE was renewed on April 21, 2020, July 23, 2020, October 2, 2020, January 7, 2021,  April 15, 2021, July 19, 2021,  October 15, 2021, January 7, 2022, April 12, 2022 effective April 16, 2022, and July 15, 2022.

Read our Pandemic Plan (PDF).

Get waiver & flexibility information, apply for an 1135 waiver, or find COVID-19 vaccine policies & guidance

Read our Coronavirus disease 2019 press releases

Dear Clinician:

04/28/2020

Thank you for your continued dedication and tireless efforts to combat the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) within your communities, and for ensuring that patients remain safe and cared for during this unprecedented time. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is encouraging the many clinicians, including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and others, who participate in the Quality Payment Program (QPP) to contribute to scientific research and evidence through clinical trials to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinicians who participate in a clinical trial and report their findings to a clinical data repository or registry may now earn credit in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) for the 2020 Performance Period by attesting to the new COVID-19 Clinical Trials improvement activity……

READ MORE AND DOWNLOAD

State Medicaid & CHIP Telehealth Toolkit

Policy Considerations for States Expanding Use of Telehealth

COVID-19 Version

This document is a compilation of actions employed by organizations, including state governments, in the United States and outlying territories to assist nursing homes in meeting the needs of nursing home residents since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic recognized in early 2020.

The actions were collected by the contractors of the QIO Program, a statutorily mandated program of quality improvement contractors who work for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve the care of Medicare beneficiaries, including beneficiaries who reside in nursing homes. By law, a QIO works in every state and territory.

This information was collected by the QIOs in late April 2020, and compiled by CMS and its contractors to provide a rapid-access compendium for providers and administrators of nursing homes in the United States to learn from the many creative plans that state governments and other entities have put into operation in a short period of time.

This compendium is not intended as guidance from CMS. It does not replace or serve as a substitute for CMS requirements and policy. The actions outlined in this document have not been evaluated for effectiveness by CMS or any government agency. This compendium is solely an informational product offered by CMS to nursing homes as well as state and local officials during the National Public Health Emergency.

CMS will update this document on an on-going basis to ensure all new and innovative approaches are reflected in order to provide states with strategies to continue addressing the COVID-19 public health emergency. States may submit updates to Kathleen.Johnson@cms.hhs.gov. Media inquiries should continue to go to the CMS Press Office.

https://nadona.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TOOLKIT-NURSING-HOMES-STATE-ACTIONS-COVID-19_508.pdf

COVID-19: Using the CR Modifier and DR Condition Code

CMS revised MLN Matters Special Edition Article SE20011 on Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Response to the Public Health Emergency on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to clarify when you must use modifier CR (catastrophe/disaster related) and/or condition code DR (disaster related) when submitting claims to Medicare. The update includes a chart of blanket waivers and flexibilities that require the modifier or condition code.

MultiState’s industry leaders have decades of high-level government affairs experience. Our growing team has diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise: government relations veterans, economists, compliance professionals, and issue experts, plus a technology team of cutting-edge software engineers, diligent project managers, and administrative support specialists that bring it all together.

View COVID-19 State and Local Policy Dashboard

CDC Antigen Testing Algorithm

Keeping Us Connected During the Pandemic:  How Broadband and Cable Companies Have Given Back to Communities in Need LTC Infection Control Factsheet Final 2021-08-11 LTC MAb update Slide Show v2 share NH partner summary_2108 final 2

Social Media Graphic

Biden says US will require nursing homes get staff vaccinated or lose federal funds

Help Advisor: A Complete Medicare Eligibility and Enrollment GuideVirginia Department of Health Patient Education Vaccine Rollout

CGNO COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet

CDC LTC May 2021 Trainings

SNF Staff hesitancy to COVID-19 Vaccine

TB Tests and mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines

We are pleased to inform you CDC has updated its infection prevention and control recommendations for fully vaccinated people in healthcare settings.

These recommendations include recommendations for safe visitation in long-term care facilities as well as updated guidance on work restrictions and quarantine for fully vaccinated healthcare providers, inpatients, and residents in healthcare settings. Updated Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations in Response to COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC

For long-term care facilities, these recommendations are consistent with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidance about indoor visitation in long-term care, nursing, rehabilitation, and other post-acute care facilities. Nursing Home Visitation – COVID-19 (REVISED) | CMS

Does Medicare Cover Coronavirus Vaccine?

What You Need to Know About Medicare Part C

Visit AHRQ.gov for additional resources available

Curious About COVID-19 Vaccines and What They Do?

The COVID-19 Prevention Network has an excellent infographic for you.  Click here to see it. 

• Targeted COVID-19 Training for Nursing Homes Instruction
• Tips for Fulfilling CMS’ New Reporting and Testing Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities

STAY UP TO DATE WITH YOUR COVID-19 Vaccines & Boosters

Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.

LEARN MORE

Updates to NHSN Nursing Home Vaccination Data Dashboard 

• The Nursing Home Vaccination Data Dashboard presents weekly COVID-19 vaccination data on residents and staff of CMS-certified nursing homes. Nursing homes submit these data through the Long-term Care Facility Component of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). The dashboard contains four data visualizations that display COVID-19 vaccination coverage among residents and staff by week and state. The dashboard is now updated to reflect the new NHSN surveillance definition of up to date COVID-19 vaccination, which was implemented beginning with the reporting week of September 25, 2023. Individuals are considered up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines if they have received a 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine or received a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine within the last two months. As a result, the updated data visualizations show that few nursing home residents and staff have up to date vaccination status as of DATE. As more residents and staff begin to receive the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine and become up to date, the percentages displayed will increase over time. For more information about the NHSN surveillance definition of up to date COVID-19 vaccination, please see: COVID-19 Vaccination Modules: Understanding Key Terms and Up to date Vaccination.  

Billing & Coding Guidance:

• Frequently Asked Questions to Assist Medicare Providers (PDF) UPDATED (8/16/22)
• Medicare Monoclonal Antibody COVID-19 Infusion Program Instruction (PDF) (2/16/21)
• Infographic:  Coverage of Monoclonal Antibody Products to Treat COVID-19 (PDF) (12/9/20)
• Fact sheet:  Expansion of the Accelerated and Advance Payments Program for Providers and Suppliers During COVID-19 Emergency (PDF) UPDATED (10/8/20)
• Accelerated and Advance Payments Program FAQ (PDF) (10/8/20)
• COVID patient counseling:
  • Provider Q&A (PDF) UPDATED (10/28/20)
  • Counseling checklist (PDF) (7/30/20)
  • Talking points (PDF) (7/30/20)
• Fact sheet for State and Local Governments About CMS Programs and Payment for Hospital Alternate Care Sites (PDF) UPDATED (12/13/21)
• CMS Dear Clinician Letter (PDF) (4/6/20)
• Fact sheet:  Medicare Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19 (PDF) UPDATED (3/23/20)
• Fact sheet:  Medicare Telemedicine Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet (3/17/20)
• MLN Matters article:  Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Response to the Public Health Emergency on the Coronavirus (PDF) (3/17/20)
• Frequently Asked Questions about Medicare Fee-for-Service Emergency-Related Policies and Procedures With an 1135 Waiver (PDF) (3/16/20)
• Fact sheet:  Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) COVID-19 Test Pricing (PDF) (1/25/21)
• Fact sheet:  Medicaid and CHIP Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19 (PDF) (3/5/20)
• COVID-19: New ICD-10-CM Code and Interim Coding Guidance (2/20/20)

For Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Organizations

• Frequently Asked Questions from the PACE Community (PDF) UPDATED (1/8/21)
• Guidance for PACE Organizations Regarding Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PDF) (3/17/20)

For all Clinicians

• Quality Payment Program—COVID-19 Response (4/30/20)
• CMS letter to Clinicians participating in MIPS (PDF) (4/28/20)
• CMS Dear Clinician Letter (PDF) (4/6/20)

Coverage guidance:

• Medicare Payment for COVID-19 Vaccination Administration in the Home (PDF) | Spanish (PDF) UPDATED (8/24/21)
• Frequently Asked Questions to Assist Medicare Providers (PDF) UPDATED (8/16/22)
• Medicare Monoclonal Antibody COVID-19 Infusion Program Instruction (PDF) (2/16/21)
• HPMS Memo: COVID Access to COVID-19 Vaccine Data for Parts C & D Enrollees (PDF) (1/7/21)
• Infographic:  Coverage of Monoclonal Antibody Products to Treat COVID-19 (PDF) (12/9/20)
• VIDEO-MLN Medicare Coverage and Payment of Virtual Services UPDATED (5/8/20)
• CMS Dear Clinician Letter (PDF) (4/6/20)
• Long-Term Care Nursing Homes Telehealth and Telemedicine Toolkit (PDF) (3/27/20)
• Fact sheet:  Medicare Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19 (PDF) UPDATED (3/23/20)
• General Telemedicine Toolkit (PDF) (3/20/20)
• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Provider Telehealth and Telemedicine Toolkit (PDF) (3/20/20)
• FAQs on Catastrophic Plan Coverage and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PDF) (3/19/20)
• Fact sheet:  Medicare Telemedicine Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet (3/17/20)
• FAQs on Essential Health Benefit Coverage and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) (PDF) (3/13/20)
• Guidance to help Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans Respond to COVID-19 (PDF) (3/10/20)
• Fact sheet:  Medicaid and CHIP Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19 (PDF) (3/5/20)
• Fact sheet:  Individual and Small Group Market Insurance Coverage (PDF) (3/5/20)

For Employers

• CLIA COVID quick start guide (PDF) (11/4/2021)
• CLIA COVID fact sheet (PDF) (11/4/2021)

For all health care providers

• CMS Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Rule- Implementation Timeline (PDF) (1/19/22)
• Guidance for the Interim Final Rule – Medicare and Medicaid Programs – Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination (1/19/22)
• COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Requirements Infographic (PDF) (1/19/22)
• COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Requirements Decision Tree Graphic  (PDF) (1/25/22)
• Over The Counter (OTC) Home Testing and CLIA Applicability (PDF) (11/22/21, revised 3/4/22)
• CMS Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Requirements FAQ (PDF) (2/3/22) UPDATED
• COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination IFC-6 National Stakeholder Call Slides (PDF) (11/5/21)
• COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination IFC-6 National Stakeholder Call Video (11/5/21)
• Medicare Monoclonal Antibody COVID-19 Infusion Instruction  (4/16/21)
• Our COVID-19 Medicare data snapshot UPDATED (1/25/21)
• Infographic:  Coverage of Monoclonal Antibody Products to Treat COVID-19 (PDF) (5/6/21)
• Guidance related to the Emergency Preparedness Testing Exercise Requirements- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (9/30/20)
• COVID patient counseling:
  • Counseling checklist (PDF) (7/30/20)
  • Talking points (PDF) (7/30/20)
  • Information for your patients after COVID testing:
    • Steps to take after being tested (7/30/20)
    • Learn about contact tracing (7/30/20)
• Providing Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PDF) (7/1/20)
• Recommendations for Reopening Facilities to Provide Non-Emergent Non-COVID-19 Health Care (PDF) (6/9/20)
• Price Transparency: Requirements for Providers to Make Public Cash Prices for COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing (PDF) (5/12/20)
• CMS Recommendations for Re-opening Facilities to Provide Essential Non-COVID-19 Healthcare (PDF) (4/19/20)
• CMS Non-Emergent, Elective Medical Services, and Treatment Recommendations (PDF) (4/6/20)
• CMS Adult Elective Surgery and Procedures Recommendations (PDF) (3/19/20)
• Fact sheet: Additional Background: Sweeping Regulatory Changes to Help U.S. Healthcare System Address COVID-19 Patient Surge (3/30/20)
• Guidance memo – Exceptions and Extensions for Quality Reporting and Value-based Purchasing Programs (PDF) (3/27/20)

For Health Care Facilities

• Health care facility administrator COVID-19 vaccine letter (PDF) (02/01/22)
• How to safely visit nursing homes (PDF) (01/25/22)
• Nursing Home Visitation FAQ (PDF) UPDATED (03/10/22)
• Ending the Streamlined Process for Ambulatory Surgical Centers and Independent Freestanding Emergency Departments to Temporarily Enroll as Hospitals during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PDF) (12/1/21)
• Interim Final Rule (IFC), COVID-19 Vaccine Immunization Requirements for Residents and Staff (5/11/21)
• Nursing Home Visitation – COVID-19 UPDATED (4/27/21)
• New COVID 19 Testing and Reporting Requirements (PDF) UPDATED (4/27/21)
• Interim Final Rule (IFC), CMS-3401-IFC, Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency related to Long-Term Care (LTC) Facility Testing Requirements and Revised COVID-19 Focused Survey Tool (4/27/21)
• Acute Hospital Care at Home Program Approved List of Hospitals (PDF) UPDATED (4/5/21)
• Toolkit for States to Mitigate COVID-19 in Nursing Homes (PDF) UPDATED (5/6/22)
• Visitation at Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IIDs) and Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) – Coronavirus Disease -2019 (COVID-19) (2/11/21)
• Revised COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey Tool for Acute and Continuing Care (12/30/20)
• Providing flexibility for exceeding the 24-hour time frame for patients in Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (12/30/20)
• COVID-19 Infection Control for Psychiatric and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs/IID) (12/17/20)
• SARS-CoV-2 Point of Care Testing and CLIA Certificate of Waiver Applications (PDF) (12/11/20)
• “Hospital Without Walls” FAQs for Ambulatory Surgery Centers (PDF) (11/25/20)
• Podcast:  Nursing Home Series for Front Line Clinicians and Staff (11/19/20)
• Enforcement Discretion Relating to Certain Pharmacy Billing (PDF) (10/16/20)
• Fact sheet:  Expansion of the Accelerated and Advance Payments Program for Providers and Suppliers During COVID-19 Emergency (PDF) UPDATED (10/8/20)
• Accelerated and Advance Payments Program FAQ (PDF) (10/8/20)
• COVID-19 Data Element Reporting Requirements and Enforcement Process for Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals Interim Final Rule (IFC), CMS-3401-IFC (10/6/20)
• Dear Nursing Home Resident Voting Rights Letter (PDF) UPDATED (10/20/20)
• Compliance with Residents’ Rights Requirement related to Nursing Home Residents’ Right to Vote (10/5/20)
• Medicare Payments for COVID-19 Viral Testing in Skilled Nursing Facilities/Nursing Facilities (PDF) (9/18/20)
• Final Report: Coronavirus Commission on Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes (PDF) (9/16/20)
• Point of Care Antigen Testing FAQ UPDATED (12/7/20)
• CLIA and University Laboratory Testing FAQ (8/31/20)
• Interim Final Rule (IFC), CMS-3401-IFC, Updating Requirements for Reporting of SARS-CoV-2 Test Results by (CLIA) of 1988 Laboratories, and Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (8/26/20)
• Key Components for Continued COVID 19 Management for Dialysis Facilities (8/17/20)
• QIP ESRD FAQs (PDF) UPDATED (7/14/20)
• Phase II Hospital Visitation for Patients who are Covid-19 Negative (PDF) (6/26/20)
• FAQs for Non Long-Term Care Facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (PDF) (6/10/20)
• Releasing COVID Nursing Home Data (6/4/20)
• COVID-19 Survey Activities, CARES Act Funding, Enhanced Enforcement for Infection Control Deficiencies, and Quality Improvement Activities in Nursing Homes (6/1/20)
• Fact sheet for State and Local Governments About CMS Programs and Payment for Hospital Alternate Care Sites (PDF) UPDATED (12/13/21)
• Guidance on Notification Requirements of Confirmed and Suspected COVID-19 Cases Among Nursing Home Residents and Staff (5/6/20)
• Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating Updates, Nursing Home Staff Counts, and Frequently Asked Questions (4/24/20)
• New Nursing Home Requirements for Notification of Confirmed COVID-19 Among Residents and Staff (PDF) (4/19/20)
• 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Long-Term Care Facility Transfer Scenarios (PDF)  (4/13/20)
• Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Hospitals, Psychiatric Hospitals, and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs): FAQs, Considerations for Patient Triage, Placement, Limits to Visitation and Availability of 1135 waivers (4/8/20)
• Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Outpatient Settings: FAQs and Considerations (4/8/20)
• Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IIDs) and Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) (4/8/20)
• Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) Requirements and Implications Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and FAQs  UPDATED (4/28/20)
• Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Dialysis Facilities  UPDATED (4/8/20)
• Letter requesting hospitals report data in connection with their efforts to fight the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (PDF) (3/30/20)
• Guidance for Use of Certain Industrial Respirators by Health Care Personnel (3/10/20)
• Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Home Health Agencies (3/10/20)
• Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by Hospice Agencies (3/9/20)
• Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): FAQs and Considerations for Patient Triage, Placement and Hospital Discharge (3/4/20)
• Information for Healthcare Facilities Concerning 2019 Novel Coronavirus Illness (2019-nCoV) (2/6/20)

For Labs

• Frequently Asked Questions About SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance Testing (PDF) UPDATED (10/21/21)
• Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) Laboratories Surveyor Guidance for New and Modified CLIA Requirements Related to SARS-CoV-2 Test Result Reporting (4/15/22)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), CLIA Guidance During the COVID-19 Emergency (PDF) UPDATED (12/17/20)
• SARS-CoV-2 Point of Care Testing and CLIA Certificate of Waiver Applications (PDF) (12/11/20)
• Laboratory Quick Start Guide to CMS CLIA Certification (PDF) (9/25/20)
• More information about CLIA & CLIA Certification Fee secure platform link (9/25/20)
• CLIA and University Laboratory Testing FAQ (8/31/20)
• Interim Final Rule (IFC), CMS-3401-IFC, Updating Requirements for Reporting of SARS-CoV-2 Test Results by (CLIA) of 1988 Laboratories, and Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (8/26/20)
• HHS Announces New Laboratory Data Reporting Guidance for COVID-19 Testing (6/5/20)
• CLIA SARS-CoV-2 Variant FAQ (PDF) (3/19/21)

For Schools

• Quick Start Guide to CLIA Certification for COVID-19 Testing in Schools (PDF) (6/7/21)
• How To Get Certification for In-School COVID-19 Testing Factsheet (PDF) (6/7/21)
• Achieving Quality COVID-19 Testing in Schools Infographic (PDF) (6/7/21)

Open Payments Guidance:

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Enforcing Open Payments Deadlines (PDF) (3/26/20)

Provider enrollment guidance:

• Guidance for Processing Attestations from Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) Temporarily Enrolling as Hospitals During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (11/25/20)
• Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (PDF) UPDATED (3/21/22)

Medicaid & CHIP Guidance:  

• State Medicaid Director Letter on CY 2021 Jan-Sep Claw Back Phased-Down State Contribution Amounts (PDF) (10/9/20)
• State Medicaid Director Letter on CY 2020 Oct-Dec Claw Back Phased-Down State Contribution Amounts (PDF) (9/22/20)
• Informational Bulletin on Medicaid Reimbursement Strategies to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 in Nursing Facilities (8/24/20)
• COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for State Medicaid and CHIP Agencies UPDATED (6/30/20)
• State Medicaid Director Letter on CY 2020 Jan-Sep Claw Back Phased-Down State Contribution Amounts (PDF) (6/23/20)
• Fact sheet for State and Local Governments About CMS Programs and Payment for Hospital Alternate Care Sites (PDF) UPDATED (12/13/21)
• State Medicaid & CHIP Telehealth Toolkit (4/23/20)
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), Public Law No. 116-127 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law No. 116-136 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (4/15/20)
• Federal Medical Percentage Map (FMAP) & Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Increased FMAP FAQs (3/27/20)
• State Medicaid Director Letter (SMDL) #20-002 with New Section 1115 Demonstration Opportunity to Aid States With Addressing the Public Health Emergency (3/22/20)
• Section 1135 Waiver Checklist (3/22/20)
• Section 1915 Waiver, Appendix K Template (3/22/20)
• State Plan Flexibilities (3/22/20)
• COVID-19 Disaster Response Toolkit (3/12/20)
• Medicaid Telehealth Guidance (3/17/20)

Marketplace Plan Guidance:

• Technical Fact Sheet: CCIIO Premium Reductions:  Medicare and Medicaid Programs, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PDF) (8/25/20)
• Temporary Policy on 2020 Premium Credits Associated with the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PDF) (8/4/20)
• Risk Adjustment Telehealth and Telephone Services During COVID-19 FAQs (PDF) (8/3/20-Replaces April 27th, 2020 guidance)
• Leveraging Existing Health and Disease Management Programs to Provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) (PDF) (6/29/20)
• FAQs About Families First Coronavirus Response Act & Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security Act Implementation Part 43 (6/23/20)
• Payment and Grace Period Flexibilities Associated with the COVID-19 National Emergency (PDF) (3/26/20)
• FAQs on Availability and Usage of Telehealth Services through Private Health Insurance Coverage in Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PDF) (3/26/20)
• FAQs on Prescription Drugs and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for Issuers Offering Health Insurance Coverage in the Individual and Small Group Markets (PDF) (3/26/20)

Medicare Advantage and Part D Plan Guidance:

• HPMS Memo: Permissible Flexibilities Related to Oral Antiviral Drugs for Treatment of COVID-19 (PDF) (11/29/21)
• HPMS Memo: Opportunities to maximize COVID-19 vaccinations among dually eligible individuals (PDF) (2/18/21)
• HPMS Memo:  COVID Access to COVID-19 Vaccine Data for Parts C & D Enrollees (PDF) (1/7/21)
• Postponement of 2019 Benefit Year HHS-operated Risk Adjustment Data Validation (HHS-RADV) (PDF) (4/15/20)

Survey & Certification Guidance:

• Toolkit for States to Mitigate COVID-19 in Nursing Homes (PDF) UPDATED (1/12/22)
• Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) Laboratories Surveyor Guidance for New and Modified CLIA Requirements Related to SARS-CoV-2 Test Result Reporting (1/8/21)
• COVID-19 Survey Activities, CARES Act Funding, Enhanced Enforcement for Infection Control Deficiencies, and Quality Improvement Activities in Nursing Homes (1/4/21)
• Providing flexibility for exceeding the 24-hour time frame for patients in Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (12/30/20)
• COVID-19 Infection Control for Psychiatric and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs/IID) (12/17/20)
• Guidance for Processing Attestation Statements from Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) Temporarily Enrolling as Hospitals during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (11/25/20)
• Guidance related to the Emergency Preparedness Testing Exercise Requirements- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (9/30/20)
• Key Components for Continued COVID 19 Management for Dialysis Facilities (8/17/20)
• Memo to States and Nursing Home Stakeholders About Changes to Staffing Information and Quality Measures (6/25/20)
• Posting Nursing Home Inspections (6/4/20)
• Releasing COVID Nursing Home Data (6/4/20)

• HHS telehealth guidance & information
• VIDEO-MLN Medicare Coverage and Payment of Virtual Services UPDATED (5/8/20)
• General Telemedicine Toolkit (PDF) (3/20/20)
• Fact sheet:  Medicare Telemedicine Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet (3/17/20)
• Long-Term Care Nursing Homes Telehealth and Telemedicine Toolkit (PDF) (3/27/20)
• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Provider Telehealth and Telemedicine Toolkit (PDF) (3/20/20)
• State Medicaid & CHIP Telehealth Toolkit (4/23/20)
• Medicaid Telehealth Guidance (3/17/20)
• CMS Coronavirus Partner Virtual Toolkit (3/17/20)
• FAQs on Availability and Usage of Telehealth Services through Private Health Insurance Coverage in Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PDF) (3/26/20)

COVID-19 Rapid Response for Nursing Homes

Read More ​​​​

COVID-19 Rapid Response for Nursing Homes

Free Call Series Every Weekday, 12:00 noon ET
Began May 4, 2020
Register once to gain access to the entire call series.

REGISTER NOW ​​​​

Please note:

• Register at least one hour before the start of the next scheduled call to ensure you receive connection information.
• Please log in to ihi.org before registering on our new system. If you have technical difficulties, use Google Chrome for the best experience or try clearing your browser cache to access registration

New Test Questions to be Added:

IN-HOUSE, POINT-OF-CARE COVID-19 TESTING

Does the LTCF have an in-house point-of-care test machine (capability to perform COVID-19 testing within your facility)? ?? YES       ?? NO

**Since the last date of data entry in the Module, how many COVID-19 point-of-care tests has the LTCF performed on residents?  ________________

**Since the last date of data entry in the Module, how many COVID-19 point-of-care tests has the LTCF performed on staff and/or facility personnel?

**Based on this week’s inventory, do you have enough supplies to test all staff and/or facility personnel for COVID-19 using the point-of-care test machine?   ?? YES       ?? NO

Pandemic Risk Insurance Act to Be Introduced in House

The bill is modeled on the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, which was created in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

BY JOSEPH CORTINA

As of press time, it is expected that Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-New York) will introduce legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would create a federal backstop to prevent economic losses from future pandemics. The bill, known as the Pandemic Risk Insurance Act (PRIA), is modeled on the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), which was created in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

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Quick Reference Guide: COVID-19 Regulatory Requirement Changes with PHE Expiration

According to CMS guidance for the expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), certain LTC regulatory requirements implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic will change with the expiration of the PHE on May 11, 2023. 

NEWLY RELEASED SEPTEMBER 28, 2020

New: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Preservation Planning Toolkit

This toolkit was developed by the COVID-19 Healthcare Resilience Working Group and includes links to a guide and an Excel spreadsheet that can help users understand types of PPE preservation strategies and calculate how using those strategies can increase the duration of a specified PPE supply.

• Program Overview- Pharmacy Partnership for LTC
• Partner Packet for SNFs- Pharmacy Partnership for LTC Program
• Partner Packet for ALFs- Pharmacy Partnership for LTC Program
• FAQ – Pharmacy Partnership for LTC Program_Revised_10232020
• Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Tests Policy and Procedure
• Abbott BinaxNOW External Quality Control Log 09.21.2020
• Abbott BinaxNOW Testing Competency 09.21.2020
• Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Internal Controls and Testing Log 09.21.2020
• Donning Duffing Respirator Mask Checklist
• COVID-19 Visitor Packet – Skilled Nursing_09-21-2020
• COVID-19 Visitation Policy and Procedure_draft
• COVID-19 State Testing Directory
• New COVID-19 Testing and Reporting Requirements 09/8/2020

CDC laboratory reporting website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/reporting-lab-data.html

“Ask on entry” questions: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/reporting-lab-data.html#what-to-include

HHS laboratory reporting guidance: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/covid-19-laboratory-data-reporting-guidance.pdf

HHS press release on June 4^th: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/06/04/hhs-announces-new-laboratory-data-reporting-guidance-for-covid-19-testing.html

HHS FAQs: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/laboratory-data-reporting-for-covid-19-testing-faqs.pdf

Scientific Brief: Community Use of Cloth Masks to Control Spread of SARS-CoV-2 

SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) is transmitted predominately by respiratory droplets generated when people cough, sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe. CDC recommends community use of masks, specifically non-valved multi-layer cloth masks, to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Experimental and epidemiological data support community masking to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Masks are primarily intended as “source control” to reduce the emission of virus-laden droplets. This is especially relevant for asymptomatic or presymptomatic individuals who feel well and may be unaware they are infectious. These cases are estimated to account for more than 50% of transmissions. Masks also help provide personal protection for the wearer by reducing the likelihood of inhaling infectious droplets. The community benefit of masking for SARS-CoV-2 control is due to the combination of these effects. As the number of people using masks consistently and correctly increases, so does the individual prevention benefit.

CDC has published a summary of this science and will update it as additional science becomes available. Read the full brief:  “Scientific Brief: Community Use of Cloth Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2”

Experimental and epidemiological data support community masking to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The prevention benefit of masking is derived from the combination of source control and personal protection for the mask wearer.

CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) added a Point of Care Laboratory Reporting Pathway within the NHSN Long-Term Care COVID-19 Module. This added capability enables CMS-certified long-term care facilities to meet the Department of Health and Human Services’ requirement to report SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care antigen test data, and other on-site COVID-19 laboratory testing data.

The new NHSN pathway creates a single, standardized reporting system:

o  that all ~15,400 nursing homes already use for other mandatory COVID-19 reporting;

o  has the capability to share data with state and local health departments;

o  has the ability to share data with HHS and CMS; and

o  avoids the creation of a patchwork ofdifferent jurisdictional reporting systems by state health departments.

In order to utilize the new pathway to fulfill reporting requirements, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that are NHSN users will need to upgrade their NHSN Secure Access Management Service (SAMS) from Level 1 to Level 3.  CDC is working closely with facilities to assist them in this process. An email invitation from CDC to perform this upgrade will be sent to users. Alternatively, facilities can email nhsn@cdc.gov with the subject line “Enhancing Data Security” to begin upgrading their SAMS access to use this Pathway.

Additionally, CDC published a new webpage on COVID-19 point-of-care (POC) testing. Visit the new page for detailed information:

• Overview of POC testing
• How to obtain a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certificate
• How to safely perform POC specimen collection, handling, and testing for COVID-19
• How to comply with result reporting requirements

More information on SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Tests can be found here:

• Considerations for Use of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Testing in Nursing Homes
• Interim Guidance for Rapid Antigen Test for SARS-CoV-2

AMA-ANA WellBeing-Resilience slides

Find Out More

Precautions to Take When Admitting Visitors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Precautions to Take When Admitting Visitors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

 JUNE 22, 2020

BY PAIGE CERULLI

Pioneer Network Contributes To New Recommendations for Family Presence During a Pandemic

Person-Centered Guidelines for Preserving Family Presence in Challenging Times – May 28, 2020Updated 5.29.20 The following guidelines for preserving family presence were co-developed by an international, multi-stakeholder “pop-up” coalition including patient, resident, family and elder advocates, experts in quality, safety and infection control, clinicians, policymakers, and healthcare executives from a variety of care settings.

These recommendations for family presence across the continuum of care reflect the lived experiences of many who have been, in the moment, wrestling with and addressing the critical nature of this issue.

The guidelines aim to

1) balance socio-emotional needs with clinical safety needs;

2) balance the needs of individuals with the needs of the community; and

3) support person-centered care principles now and in the future.

The focus was to produce an evidence-based, person-centered set of recommendations that will minimize the variation of family presence policies and practice within communities and regions during challenging circumstances. Though the impetus for publishing these guidelines was the COVID-19 outbreak, they have widespread applicability beyond a pandemic.

READ AND DOWNLOAD MORE

These are the questions surveyors are asking when they go to a facility for an Infection survey.

These come directly from the CMS directive for surveyors.

The surveyor did not deviate from these questions. Please make sure you share with your staff and that they know the answers.

1.  When do you perform hand hygiene?
2.  If ABHR is not available, who do you contact?
3.  Are residents helped with hand hygiene before meals and after toileting?
4.  When do you use PPE?
5.  Is PPE adequately available and provided?
6.  Any current transmission-based precautions?
7.  Describe standard, contact and droplet precautions.
8.  If res b/c COVID +, what is procedure?
9.  Any COVID at this time?
10.  What is procedure for monitoring for COVID?
11.  Who watches where diseases occur in the facility?
12.  What is screening for entering the facility?
13.  Can visitors enter the facility?
14.  Have you been educated on COVID?
15.  If staff develop s/sx when at work, what is procedure?
16.  When can employee return to work?
17.  Does facility have p/p to ensure adequate staffing?

https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/revised-long-term-care-surveyor-guidance

Updated: Apr 16, 2021

Partner & Stakeholder Resources:

• Training for disaster responders, emergency staff, and state and regional offices
  • Video – Replacing Durable Medical Equipment & Prescription Drugs after a Disaster: Addressing the Needs of Medicare Beneficiaries
  • Student Manual Guide (PDF)
• Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payments Program COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Payment Data (PDF) UPDATED (12/10/20)
• Medicare COVID Accelerated & Advanced Payment Data  (ZIP) (10/15/20)
• Open Door Forum Stakeholder Call podcasts & transcripts
• HHS telehealth guidance & information
• Memo to States and Nursing Home Stakeholders About Changes to Staffing Information and Quality Measures (6/25/20)
• What Patients Should Know About Seeking Health Care in English (PDF) & Spanish (PDF) (6/9/20)
• COVID Nursing Home Compare Data (6/4/20)
• CMS Coronavirus Partner Virtual Toolkit (3/17/20)
• Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payments by State and Provider Type  (PDF) UPDATED (5/8/20)
  • Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payments Provider Detail by State (ZIP) (5/8/20)

Find more information on ongoing or past emergencies.

Rural Health Information Hub

Key and essential resources, tools, and training to prepare for and respond to COVID-19 in your community

The Federal Healthcare Resilience Working Group would like to make you aware of a newly released Rapid Expert Consultation on Staffing Considerations for Crisis Standards of Care from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases and 21^st Century Health Threats (NASEM).

The rapid expert consultation is attached and can be found here. The press release can be found online here. We would love for you to share this important new resource with your networks and stakeholders, and our hope is that you will find it useful for your COVID-19 response effort.

Additionally, the NASEM will be holding three webinars on July 31, August 4, and August 5 to brief stakeholders on the consultation document and to provide an opportunity for Q&A. Further information on the webinars is below.

Supporting Staff in Long-Term Care as They Grieve the Deaths of Their Residents from COVID-19

Telehealth and Online Mental Health Resources During COVID-19 Pandemic

What Is COVID-19?

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) is one of many viruses that cause respiratory illnesses in people, including some forms of the common cold. Although it has similar symptoms to some strains of influenza, COVID-19 is caused by a different type of virus.

COVID stands for coronavirus disease. This novel coronavirus was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. In four months it had become a pandemic, a worldwide epidemic.

As of Jan. 21, 2020, confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide were only 200 with four deaths. Only one US infection was known. By March 29, 2021, almost 128 million COVID-19 cases were reported worldwide, of which almost 2.8 million had died. In the United States, almost 31 million cases were reported by that date with more than 562,000 deaths.

The rate per one million population worldwide was 16,409 cases and 359 deaths. In the US, the rate was 93,155 cases and 1,692, higher than Canada (25,414 and 602) and Mexico (17,136 and 1,552).

With COVID-19 vaccines now coming on the market—by March 26, 2021, three were approved for emergency use in the US, with seven more in Phase 3 clinical trials—the rates are expected to decline, but some precautions may have to remain in place through much of 2021.

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U.S. Department of Labor Issues Alert to Keep Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Facility Workers Safe During Coronavirus Pandemic 

United States Department of Labor sent this bulletin at 05/14/2020 01:02 PM EDT

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an alert listing safety tips employers can follow to help protect nursing home and long-term care facility workers from exposure to the coronavirus.

Safety measures employers can implement to protect workers in the nursing home and long-term care industry include:

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DOWNLOAD AND READ MORE   “How to Properly Wash Hands”