Page One Topics: Biden-Harris Administration CARES ACT CDC – Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes CDC – Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report CDC – Other Resources CDC - Training resources for healthcare providers CDC – Vaccination Resources CMS CMS - ICD-10 CMS – Nursing Facility Specific Visitation and PPE Guidance CMS - Waiving the 3-day Stay Requirement Coronavirus Commission for Safety & Quality in Nursing Homes GAO Guidance on Therapy In Nursing Homes Page Two Topics: HHS MLN Matters Monoclonal Antibody Treatment NHSN Reporting OIG OSHA Project Echo Regulations Senate Aging Committee Senate Finance Committee Telehealth Telehealth Funding Testing Vaccination Resources - CDC Vaccination Resources - Other NASL and Members in the News HHS HHS Delays Provider Relief Fund Reporting Timeline 1/15/21 HHS issued a formal delay of its reporting requirements for health care providers that received COVID-19 financial relief. HHS Announces new $523 Million Incentive Payment Distribution to Nursing Homes 12/7/20 State-by-state breakdown Facility-level list of first-round nursing home incentive payment recipients COVID-19 Viral Laboratory 14-Day Test Positivity Rates by US County for the week ending November 15, 2020 HHS Makes Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute Reforms to Support Coordinated, Value-Based Care 11/20/20 Read NASL's full summary of the changes to the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute. Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, HHS Extends Compliance Dates for Information Blocking and Health IT Certification Requirements in 21st Century Cures Act Final Rule 10/29/20 HHS official Admiral Brett Giroir letter to Nevada Health and Human Services demanding that it reverse course after Nevada HHS sent a memo to providers and nursing homes telling them to suspend use of the point of care rapid testing machines that CMS sent to facilities until the test’s accuracy is better evaluated. 10/8/20 HHS Secretary Alex Azar, effective October 23, 2020, extended the Public Health Emergency as a result of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. 10/2/20 Updated Provider Relief Fund FAQs related to qualifying for incentive payments under the Fund. 9/24/20 (Note, although HHS released new information about the PRF Reporting Requirements, the FAQs have not been updated with this information. Nursing homes do not have to apply for their share of the incentive payment allocation. Instead, HHS will measure nursing home performance and distribute payments based on the required data submissions. Payments may only be used for the infection control expenses.) HHS Announces $2 billion PRF Nursing Home Incentive Payment Plans 9/3/20 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced the details of a $2 billion Provider Relief Fund (PRF) performance-based incentive payment distribution to nursing homes. HHS announced Guidance for PREP Act Coverage for COVID-19 Screening Tests at Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Long-Term-Care Facilities, and other Congregate Facilities 8/31/20 (PREP Act coverage preempts any State and local law that prohibits or effectively prohibits such persons from administering FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests to symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals at congregate facilities.) HHS declares a public health emergency in Louisiana and Texas as a result of Hurricane Laura. 8/28/20 Renewal of Determination That A Public Health Emergency Exists 7/23/20 (HHS Secretary Azar renewed the PHE as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic effective July 25, 2020. It would expire on October 23, 2020.) Trump Administration Announces New Resources to Protect Nursing Home Residents Against COVID-19 7/22/20 (New initiatives include an additional $5 billion of Provider Relief Fund, enhanced testing measures, new, and self-paced COVID-19 training focused on infection control and best practices.) General and Targeted Distribution Post-Payment Notice of Reporting Requirements 7/21/20 (HHS framework for detailed Provider Relief Fund reporting guidance to be released August 17.) BULLETIN: Civil Rights Protections Prohibiting Race, Color and National Origin Discrimination During COVID‐19 Application of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 7/20/20 (HHS Office for Civil Rights reminds recipients of Federal financial assistance that they “must comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex and exercise of conscience and religion in HHS‐funded programs.”) Press Release: HHS Announces Enhanced Provider Portal, Relief Fund Payments for Safety Net Hospitals, Medicaid and CHIP Providers 6/9/20 (HHS is also announcing the distribution of $10 billion in Provider Relief Funds to safety net hospitals, and, according to the press release, those safety net distributions will occur this week.) HHS Announces Nearly $4.9 Billion Distribution to Nursing Facilities Impacted by COVID-19 5/22/20 (Each skilled nursing facility in the country with more than 6 beds will receive a baseline payment of $50,000, plus an additional $2,500 per bed.) Press Release Provider Relief Fund Terms and Conditions FAQs updated 5/21/20. State-by-state breakdown on how funding will be distributed HHS CARES Act Provider Relief Webpage HHS Extends Deadline for Attestation, Acceptance of Terms and Conditions for Provider Relief Fund Payments to 45 Days 5/7/20 (Increases period of time for attestation from 30 days to 45 days from the date funds are received. Provider Portal Open to Bill for Uninsured: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) launched a new COVID-19 Uninsured Program Portal, allowing health care providers who have conducted COVID-19 testing or provided treatment for uninsured COVID-19 individuals on or after February 4, 2020 to request claims reimbursement. Providers can access the portal at COVIDUninsuredClaim.HRSA.gov and there is also an FAQ document on the portal and information for providers. MLN Matters Special Edition (SE) MLN Matters article SE20011 Updated 11/20 (Article updated to clarify the billing instructions in the SNF Benefit Period Waiver - Provider Information section.) MLN Matters Article MM11992 Updated 11/20 (Change Request (CR) 11992 implements changes to the SNF Prospective Payment System (PPS), specifically implementing changes required for PDPM. Be sure your billing staff knows of this update.) MLN Matters Article MM11815: Quarterly Update for Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule and Laboratory Services Subject to Reasonable Charge Payment Revised 7/8/20 (Changes include the addition of information on COVID-19 codes 87426, 0223U, and 0224U as part of the quarterly update to the clinical laboratory fee schedule.) MLN Matters Article MM11859: Medicare Part A Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Pricer Update FY 2021 7/2/20 (Each July, CMS publishes the SNF payment rates for the upcoming Fiscal Year (October 1, 2020, through September 30, 2021). This article provides information on the FY 2021 updates to the SNF PPS payment rates, as required by statute. Make sure your billing staffs are aware of these updates.) MLN Matters Article MM11791 - Therapy Codes Update Revised 5/26/20 (Informing providers of updates to the list of codes that sometimes or always describe therapy services.) MLN Matters Article SE20017 - Medicare Pharmacies and Other Suppliers May Temporarily Enroll as Independent Clinical Diagnostic Laboratories to Help Address COVID-19 Testing 5/8/20 MLN Connects Newsletter and Other Program-Specific Listserv Recipients (Exceptions and Extensions for Quality Reporting Requirements for Acute Care Hospitals, PPS-Exempt Cancer Hospitals, Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Home Health Agencies, Hospices, Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities, Long-Term Care Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Renal Dialysis Facilities, and MIPS Eligible Clinicians Affected by COVID-19.) 3/27/20 NHSN reporting NHSN has updated reporting resources for long term care facilities: Resident Impact and Facility Capacity COVID-19 Resident Impact and Facility Capacity Pathway Form (print-only) – February 4, 2021 Table of Instructions – February 4, 2021 Importing Data Resources Facility Level CSV File Templates for Surveillance Reporting Pathways - 2/4/21 How to Upload COVID-19 CSV Data Files Resident Impact and Facility Capacity Template Resident Therapeutics Template Point of Care Upload Resources - 2/4/21 Template for CSV Upload of POC COVID-19 Data via DIRECT File Layout for CSV Upload of POC COVID-19 Data via DIRECT Template for CSV Upload of Staff Demographic Data for POC COVID-19 Data File Layout for CSV Upload of Staff Demographic Data for POC COVID-19 Data State/Territory/County codes for US Group Level CSV File Templates for Surveillance Reporting Pathways - 2/4/21 Viewing and Uploading COVID-19 CSV Data Files Resident Impact and Facility Capacity Template Resident Therapeutics Template New! Therapeutics - 2/4/21 COVID-19 Resident Therapeutics Form (print-only) Table of Instructions NHSN information can be found here. Nursing Home COVID-19 Public File Updated 7/12/20 (Includes data submitted weekly by nursing homes to the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system COVID-19 Long Term Care Facility Module.). CDC National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Long term Care Facility Reporting Module CDC’s NHSN provides healthcare facilities with a customized system to track infections and prevention process measures in a systematic way. OIG FAQs–Application of OIG's Administrative Enforcement Authorities to Arrangements Directly Connected to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency 7-29-2020 (OIG is accepting inquiries from the health care community regarding the application of OIG's administrative enforcement authorities, including the Federal anti-kickback statute and civil monetary penalty provision prohibiting inducements to beneficiaries.) COVID-19 Had a Devastating Impact on Medicare Beneficiaries in Nursing Homes During 2020 (OEI-02-20-00490) (This data snapshot shows the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Medicare beneficiaries in U.S. nursing homes in 2020. A summary of the OIG Report is available here.) (6/22/21) Christi Anne Grimm, Principal Deputy Inspector General at the HHS, briefed the Members of the House Committee on Oversight & Reform about the OIG’s oversight plan for HHS’ COVID-19 programs and funding. 5/26/20 (Strategy focuses on: 1) protecting people, 2) protecting funds, 3) protecting infrastructure, and 4) promoting effectiveness.) FAQs–Application of OIG's Administrative Enforcement Authorities to Arrangements Directly Connected to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency updated 5/14/20 (New questions re SNFs and clinical laboratories) FAQs–Application of OIG's Administrative Enforcement Authorities to Arrangements Directly Connected to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency updated 5/8/20 FAQs–Application of OIG's Administrative Enforcement Authorities to Arrangements Directly Connected to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency 4/24/20 (Recognizes that, in the public health emergency, the health care industry must focus on delivering needed patient care. If you have a question regarding how OIG would view an arrangement that is directly connected to the public health emergency, please submit your question to OIGComplianceSuggestions@oig.hhs.gov.) OSHA OSHA Occupational Exposure to COVID-19; Emergency Temporary Standard 6/21/21 Project Echo (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) COVID-19 Response Urgent Call for Partners in Nursing Home Health Regulations Interim Final Rule with Comment Period (IFC) “Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency" Published version Dated 4/6/20, effective 3/31/20 Providers specific Fact Sheets COVID-19 Interim Final Rule FAQs 4/9/20 NASL Summary of the CMS Interim Final Rule 4/6/20 Medicare Program: Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities; Updates to the Value-Based Purchasing Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2021 Pre-publication version released 4/10/20 CMS fact sheet NASL's Summary Senate Aging Committee Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee and Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee together released a report, The Cost of Inaction: 11 Deaths An Hour An Update on the Trump Administration’s Response to COVID-19 in Nursing Homes. 9/23/20 Senate Aging Committee hearing entitled, “Caring for Seniors Amid the COVID-19 Crisis,” focusing on seniors in hospitals, long term care facilities, and in the community. 5/21/20 Senate Finance Committee Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released COVID-19 and Nursing Homes: What Went Wrong and Next Steps on care in US nursing homes and long-term care facilities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 9/25/20 Telehealth Coronavirus FAQ document (CMS announced that it is allowing institutional settings to furnish and bill for outpatient therapy delivered via telehealth during the ongoing COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. See pages 70-71) 5/27/20 Toolkit for states to help accelerate adoption of broader telehealth coverage policies in the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs during the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic. 4/23/20 HHS Secretary Azar’s letter urging Governors to “allow all health professionals licensed or certified in other states to practice their professions in your state either in person or via telepractice.” 3/27/20 Medicare Telehealth Frequently Asked Questions 3/17/20 (CMS provided additional details in the form of an FAQ document regarding telehealth waiver provisions and the public health emergency.) CMS Updated the MLN Booklet on Telehealth Services 3/20 n Telehealth Services 3/20 (Updates the previous January 2019 MLN Telehealth Services document.) CMS Long-Term Care Nursing Home Telehealth and Telemedicine Toolkit 3/27/20 Medicare General Provider Telehealth Toolkit 3/20 CMS Medicare Telemedicine Health Care Provider Fact Sheet 3/17/20 End-Stage Renal Disease Providers Toolkit 3/20 Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services BULLETIN: HIPAA Privacy and Novel Coronavirus 2/20 (HHS office of Civil Rights will waive penalties for HIPAA violations against health care providers that serve patients in good faith through everyday communications technologies, such as FaceTime or Skype during this emergency.) California: California State Agencies Ordered to Cover Telehealth PT and PT as an Essential Healthcare Services Illinois: Governor Pritzker Expands Access to Telehealth Services in Illinois Kentucky: Rehab Services Guidance Louisiana: Physical Therapy Board COVID-19 Updates Louisiana: Letter from APTA President Dunn on the COVID-19 Impact Louisiana Physical Therapy Association urges all local healthcare insurance providers and worker's compensation to cover PT services provided through the use of telehealth. Louisiana: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana - Expansion of Telehealth for Remote Care during COVID-19 Lousiana: Vantage Health Plan, Inc. COVID-19 Provider Notices Nebraska: Telehealth Services for Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Pennsylvania: Licensed Health Care Practitioners Can Provide Telemedicine Services to Pennsylvanians During Coronavirus Emergency Wisconsin: Emergency Order No. 22 - PTA Face-to-Face Supervision Rules Suspended Telehealth Funding The FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program will provide $200 million in funding to help healthcare providers provide connected care services to patients by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program’s funds have been expended or the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. According to the FCC, the program is limited to nonprofit and public eligible health care providers and includes skilled nursing facilities (as defined in section 395i-3(a) of title 42). Applications must be submitted through the online application portal; the online application is available here. Additional Information: Instructions for using the online application portal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the application and the program Guidance on the Application Process (FCC Public Notice) Video Tutorialon the online application Slides from the video tutorial Questions about the application process can be emailed to: TelehealthApplicationsSupport@fcc.gov Monoclonal Antibody Treatment American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) and AMDA: the Society of Post-Acute Care Medicine have a joint readiness document on monoclonal antibody treatment. CMS Takes Steps to Ensure Medicare Beneficiaries Have Wide Access to COVID-19 Antibody Treatment - Monoclonal Antibody COVID-18 Infusion Program Instruction 11/10/20 Testing Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Updated 7/1/21 CDC updated webpages for COVID-19 – Testing Strategies for SARS-CoV-2 3/23/21 Testing Strategies Point-of-Care & Rapid Testing Antibody Testing Preparedness Portal Clinical Laboratory COVID-19 Response Calls NASL Member Clinical Labs that Furnish COVID Testing Important Resource for NASL Members: Updated state by state matrix of testing requirements shared by an NASL Member (member login required) updated 9/23/2020 CMS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) updated 12/7/20 to include revised Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) enforcement discretion guidance during the COVID-19 public health emergency. FDA authorized pooling for the CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase (RT)-PCR Diagnostic Panel. 12/1/20 -- The new authorized indication of use is for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in pooled specimens containing up to four of the individual upper-respiratory swab specimens (nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal combined, or nasal swabs). Visit the FDA website for more information. CDC Interim Guidance for Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2 updated 12/5/20. (New section on the processing of antigen tests and a revised section on evaluating the results of antigen tests.) FDA-issued Letter to Clinical Laboratory Staff and Health Care Providers (Alert that false positive results can occur with antigen tests, including when users do not follow the instructions for use of antigen tests for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2. This FDA letter cites CDC’s “Considerations for Use of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Testing in Nursing Homes” dated October 23, 2020. 11/3/20 CMS-Certified Long-Term Care Facilities Now Required to Report Testing Results through NHSN 10/16/20 (Requirement to submit data to CDC’s NHSN applies only to CMS-certified long-term care facilities.) CDC webpage on COVID-19 point-of-care (POC) testing 10/14/20 (Includes an overview of POC testing and information on how to obtain a CLIA certificate to perform testing at a nursing facility, how to collect specimens, and how to comply with reporting mandates.) CDC Updated FAQs on Testing in Nursing Homes. (In addition to information regarding federal plans for vaccination distribution, CDC addressed questions about the role of confirmatory testing and management of individuals with potential false-positive or false-negative antigen test results.) Read more about how to pay CLIA Certification Fees online. Want to pay your CLIA certification fees online? Click here. CMS Releases Coverage and Payment for COVID-19 Testing in Nursing Facilities Flow Chart 9/18/20 (CMS encourages all providers to review.) DC Frequently Asked Questions on Laboratory Data Reporting Guidance for COVID-19 Testing Updated 8/17/20 (The CDC’s recently updated FAQs address popular topics such as the technical requirements for reporting, the data elements to report on and the corresponding deadlines, and reporting for Ask on Order Entry (AOE) questions.) Online resources: Information for Laboratories about COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 for Laboratories CDC's Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) Register for CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) notifications, including updates about COVID-19. Information about the requirements and guidelines for the testing of residents and staff of nursing homes can be found here. 8-26-20 CMS updated Appendix B which contains the names and email addresses of each of the State RAI Coordinators, State MDS Automation Coordinators, RAI Coordinator Panel Members and Regional Office Contacts. 8/27/20 FAQs: Laboratory Data Reporting for COVID-19 Testing, cited in the 3rd IFC. The FAQ is not dated but we think released around August 2020. The FDA updated their FAQ about testing for SARS-CoV-2 to include information about recommendations for healthcare providers who are using SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests to screen asymptomatic patients for COVID-19. 8/24/20 CMS Administration Seema Verma referenced this on the hastily scheduled call last afternoon regarding the third and latest Interim Final Rule with Comment (IFC) and testing. The question that was updated is the following (emphasis added): Q: Does the FDA have recommendations for health care providers using SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests for screening asymptomatic individuals for COVID-19? (Updated 8/24) Cornoavirus (COVID-19) Testing Plans by State and Jurisdiction 8/10/20 HHS posted the COVID-19 testing plans of states for July through December on HHS.gov. These plans show each state’s monthly 2020 testing strategy for SARS-CoV-2. CDC’s COVID-19 Lab Data Reporting Implementation Specifications Table 7/31/20 (Complements the HHS Lab Data Reporting Guidance, released on 6/4/20 and requires every COVID-19 testing site to report specific data elements for every test (e.g., molecular, antigen, antibody) performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 as delineated in the CARES Act.) COVID-19: Laboratory Claims Requiring the NPI of the Ordering/Referring Professional — Update 7/30/20 (During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, CMS relaxed requirements for a limited number of laboratory tests required for a COVID-19 diagnosis. These tests do not require a practitioner order during the PHE. CMS added a new test to this list (PDF): CPT 87426) CMS FAQ document 7/23/20 (Answers 21 questions regarding provision of COVID-19 testing platforms and tests to nursing homes.) Information about CMS methodology for prioritizing facilities and a listing of the facilities. 7/23/20 (The methodology and listing are in the form of an Excel spreadsheet. Allocation tab provides names, addresses and Federal Provider Numbers of facilities receiving the initial shipment of testing platforms and tests.) HHS Announces National COVID-19 Testing Implementation Forum 7/21/20 (The National Testing Implementation Forum will bring together representatives from key stakeholder groups to share information and provide input to federal leaders about SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, testing and diagnostics. ) CDC updated its Interim Guidance on Testing Healthcare Personnel for SARS-CoV-2 7/17/20 Trump Administration Announces Initiative for More and Faster COVID-19 Testing in Nursing Homes by providing all nursing homes that acquire a CLIA certificate with a point of care testing instrument. 7/15/20 HHS Releases May and June COVID-19 State Testing Plans 7/10/20 (States were required to submit their overall testing plan for their citizens by July 10th to HHS. Those plans have now been released.) COVID-19 Testing in Long-Term Care Facilities 7/8/20 (The National Governor’s Association is attempting to collect and publish information on various testing mandates for long term care facilities around the country.) CMS and HHS announced that point-of-care rapid results testing instruments and supplies for COVID-19 will be deployed to skilled nursing facilities with a CLIA waiver. 7/16/20 How to Obtain a CLIA Certificate of Waiver CLIA State Survey Agency Contact FDA FAQs on Testing for SARS-CoV-2 updated 7/14/20 (Provides answers to frequently asked questions relating to the development and performance of tests for SARS-CoV-2.) In Vitro Diagnostics EUAs 7/14/20 (FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization for the CDC Influenza SARS-CoV-2 (Flu SC2) Multiplex Assay. For general information on the Influenza SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex Assay, refer to the CDC Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 for Laboratories. LOINC In Vitro Diagnostic (LIVD) Test Code Mapping for SARS-CoV-2 Tests (Updated to include the LOINC test code and Vendor Specimen and Result Description SNOMED-CT codes. Please use these codes to report test results to public health.) 7/9/20 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes Additional COVID-19 Combination Diagnostic Test Ahead of Flu Season 7/2/20 (FDA issued an emergency use authorization for the third diagnostic test for detection and differentiation of the viruses that cause flu and COVID-19 in individuals suspected of COVID-19.) CDC releases consolidated COVID-19 testing recommendations 6/13/20 (Includes interim testing guidelines for nursing home residents and healthcare personnel.) 6/13/20 HHS Announces New Laboratory Data Reporting Guidance for COVID-19 Testing 6/5/20 (Specifies additional data must be reported to HHS by laboratories along with COVID-19 test results, to include demographic data like race, ethnicity, age, and sex.) CDC Interim Guidelines for COVID-19 Antibody Testing 5/24/20 Medicare Payment for COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests – CMS provides payment detail Guidance for serology tests. 5/19/20 Policy on Testing released by AMDA -The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine 5/18/20 (Considerations to be addressed before implementing universal testing) Modified COVID-19 Ordering Requirements for Laboratory Billing 4/30/20 CMS FAQ Laboratories: Medicare Flexibilities to Fight COVID-19 4/29/20 CMS’ Medicare COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing and Reporting 4/29/20 CDC – Vaccination Resources CDC published Clinical Considerations for myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination. 5/27/21 Tips and resources for How to talk to your patients about COVID-19 vaccination CDC updated Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People 5/13/21 (Advises that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and any regulatory requirements of local business and workplace guidance. The updated recommendations do not apply to healthcare settings.) Postvaccination SARS-CoV-2 Infections Among Skilled Nursing Facility Residents and Staff Members — Chicago, Illinois, December 2020–March 2021 COVID-19 Outbreak Associated with a SARS-CoV-2 R.1 Lineage Variant in a Skilled Nursing Facility After Vaccination Program — Kentucky, March 2021 Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People 3/8/21 CDC also posted guidance that provides recommendations for individuals that have been fully vaccinated. When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated | CDC 3/8/21 COVID-19 Vaccination website for healthcare workers COVID-19 Vaccination Communication Toolkit for Health Systems & Clinics (ready-made materials that may be used/adapted) Understanding the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program COVID-19 Vaccination Training and Education Materials CDC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about COVID-19 Vaccination Talking to Patients About COVID-19 Vaccines Answering Patients' Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines Making a Strong Recommendation for COVID-19 Vaccination CDC Preview Table – COVID-19 Vaccine Codes Potential EUA 20201111 Download CDC’s IIS Vaccine Code Sets CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Communication Toolkit for medical centers, clinics & clinicians Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID‑19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 for individuals 16 years of age and older. 12/11/20 Review Pfizer’s EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine for additional information on the limitations of this authorized use. CDC Vaccine Resources for Long Term Care: CDC's COVID Data Tracker for vaccinations. Updated Clinical Care Quick Reference for COVID-19: Post COVID Conditions Making a Strong Recommendation to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine: How to talk to your patients about COVID-19 vaccination CDC data for vaccinations in LTC as of April 22, 2021 Increasing Vaccine Confidence Among Long Term Care Workers: Expedited COVID-19 Targeted PCORI Funding Announcement 4/2/21 Ensuring Access to COVID-19 Vaccine in Long-Term Care Facilities (CDC) CDC List of participating pharmacies, updated each Monday. CDC Long-Term Care Facility Toolkit: Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination at Your Facility. 12/23/20 The toolkit also provides a variety of printable resources to help communicate with staff and residents: Sample Letter to Staff About COVID-19 Vaccination Fact Sheet – Answering Common Long-Term Care Staff Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines Sample Letter to Resident About COVID-19 Vaccination Sample Letter to Residents’ Loved Ones About COVID-19 Vaccination Fact Sheet – Answering Common Long-Term Care Residents’ Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination in Long-Term Care Facilities (cdc.gov) Post Vaccine Considerations for Healthcare Personnel | CDC Post Vaccine Considerations for Residents | CDC Importance of COVID-19 Vaccination for Residents of Long-term Care Facilities | CDC Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine | CDC The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Interim Recommendation for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine — United States, December 2020 | MMWR (cdc.gov) The COVID-19 vaccination website for healthcare professionals has been updated to direct healthcare professionals to clinical information including ACIP recommendations, storage and handling information, and vaccination provider requirements and support. The new Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine webpage has information specific to Pfizer’s vaccine, including resources to assist providers in storing, handling, and administering the vaccine. Providers participating in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program can find information about the requirements of the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Provider Agreement at COVID-19 Vaccination Provider Requirements and Support | CDC. Updates to CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine information for consumers: What to expect at your vaccination appointment What to expect after getting vaccinated The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Moderna COVID‑19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 for individuals 18 years of age and older. Review Moderna’s Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers) regarding the limitations of authorized use. CMS has updated its payment and HCPCS Level I CPT code structure for specific COVID-19 vaccine information. Post Vaccine Considerations for Healthcare Personnel | CDC Post Vaccine Considerations for Residents | CDC Importance of COVID-19 Vaccination for Residents of Long-term Care Facilities | CDC Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine | CDC The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Interim Recommendation for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine — United States, December 2020 | MMWR (cdc.gov) The COVID-19 vaccination website for healthcare professionals has been updated to direct healthcare professionals to clinical information including ACIP recommendations, storage and handling information, and vaccination provider requirements and support. The new Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine webpage has information specific to Pfizer’s vaccine, including resources to assist providers in storing, handling, and administering the vaccine. Providers participating in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program can find information about the requirements of the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Provider Agreement at COVID-19 Vaccination Provider Requirements and Support | CDC. Updates to CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine information for consumers: What to expect at your vaccination appointment What to expect after getting vaccinated Vaccination – Other Multisociety Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination as a Condition of Employment for Healthcare Personnel, Cambridge University Press, 7/13/21 Clinical Infectious Diseases supplement takes a look at the public health response to COVID-19 and what can be learned and built upon during the next phase of this pandemic and for future pandemics. 7/15/21 Review CMS’ payment and CPT coding information on its Vaccines & Monoclonal Antibodies webpage CMS COVID-19 Provider Toolkit CMS COVID-19 FAQs (updated 12/8/20) NAHCA and AMDA recorded a webinar on taking the vaccine designed to encourage acceptance of the vaccine for certified nurse aides/nursing assistants. FDA COVID-19 Vaccines webpage FDA resources (including fact sheets) for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Demographic and Social Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination Initiation Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years — United States, December 14, 2020–April 10, 2021 Interim Estimates of Vaccine Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines Among Health Care Personnel — 33 U.S. Sites, January–March 2021 Myth-buster about infertility — It is safe for people who would like to have a baby one day to get a COVID-19 vaccine. This question and answer explains why. Myth-buster about menstrual cycles — Your menstrual cycle cannot be affected by being near someone who received a COVID-19 vaccine. This question and answer explains why. COVID-19 Vaccines for Preteens and Teens Factsheet FAQs about the safety and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents aged 12 and older Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Q&As What Partners Need to Know Now. CMS has compiled resources and materials to help you share important and relevant information on the COVID- 19 vaccine with the people that you serve. COVID-19 Partner Resources Page and the HHS COVID Education Campaign page. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) What to report: VAERS - FAQs (hhs.gov) Submit a report: VAERS - Report an Adverse Event (hhs.gov) Educational materials: VAERS Educational Materials | Vaccine Safety | CDC CMS COVID-19 Policies & Guidance HHS COVID Education Campaign page Review CMS’ payment and CPT coding information on its Vaccines & Monoclonal Antibodies webpage CMS COVID-19 Provider Toolkit CMS COVID-19 FAQs (updated 12/8/20) NAHCA and AMDA recorded a webinar on taking the vaccine designed to encourage acceptance of the vaccine for certified nurse aides/nursing assistants. FDA COVID-19 Vaccines webpage FDA resources (including fact sheets) for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine - Pfizer Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Fact Sheet Revised 12/20 AMDA’s COVID Vaccine Powerpoint Can help Answer Resident, Staff Concerns 12/9/20 (Users much register for access.) Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine - Pfizer Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Fact Sheet Revised 12/20 AMDA’s COVID Vaccine Powerpoint Can help Answer Resident, Staff Concerns 12/9/20 (Users much register for access.) NASL and Members in the News Big, big changes” coming to nursing home regulation thanks to pandemic’s destruction, Grabowski says in keynote address to the NASL 31st Annual Meeting, McKnight’s Long Term Care News (11/16/20) Medicare cuts to seniors in nursing homes during COVID-19 is unfathomable, Op-Ed by Cynthia Morton, Executive Vice President, NASL, The Hill. (11/14/20) NASL Submits Letter to Congressional Leadership and Hill urging Congress to include provisions providing relief from the E/M cuts in the CY 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule in a legislative package before the end of the year. 10/22/20 After a Fight, Two Chicoans Triumph Over Cornavirus, Chico Enterprise-Record, October 8, 2020 (Consonus Healthcare). Nursing Homes With Safety Problems Deploy Trump-Connected Lobbyists, New York Times 8/16/20 (Article on lobbying by the nursing home industry. Mentions several NASL member companies and activities by individuals with nursing home ownership.) NASL letter to U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan re Support of the Outpatient Therapy Modernization and Stabilization Act 7/15/20 NASL letter to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and Sheldon Whiteouse re Support of the Nursing Home COVID-19 Protection and Prevention Act (S.3768) 7/15/20 Op-ed by CMS Administrator Seema Verma touting “early action” by the Administration as well as coverage by DC Bureau Chief of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette who talked with NASL Executive Vice President Cynthia Morton and other stakeholders about federal oversight of long-term care facilities in the wake of COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes. 5/23/20 Nursing Homes: CMS’ Call To Test Residents Unrealistic Without Funding 5/22/20 Cynthia Morton, Executive Vice President, NASL Mark Parkinson, President and CEO, AHCA Vetting COVID-19 Testing Partners: What Nursing Homes Need to Know Now Christopher Martin, Chair, NASL Diagnostic Testing Committee, CEO, American Health Associates Skilled Nursing News, 4/28/20 Therapists Find Some COVID-19 Telehealth Opportunities — But Remain Off Medicare List Cynthia Morton, Executive Vice President, NASL Skilled Nursing News, 4/24/20 Inside a COVID-19 Testing Company’s Nursing Home Strategy: New Methods, Logistical Struggles Christopher Martin, Chair, NASL Diagnostic Testing Committee, CEO, American Health Associates Skilled Nursing News, 4/9/20 Other News Articles Location tracking reveals how COVID-19 may spread between nursing homes 8-24-20 (Results suggest that eliminating staff linkages between nursing homes could reduce COVID-19 infections in nursing homes by 44%.)