Coronavirus

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we are working with the federal government​​​ to ensure nursing hom​​es, assisted living communities, and intermediate care facilities for indiv​​iduals with intellectual disabilities receive necessary supplies and guidance to prevent the spread ​of this virus.​

Visit this website regularly for the latest information that AHCA/NCAL has to share with long term care providers about COVID-19. 


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How You Can Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

 Providers
Please note tha​t skilled nursing providers should consult the guidance put forth by CMS and the CDC, and assisted living communities should consult CDC guidance. Providers should also check their local and state health departments for updates and potentially stricter guidance, but these are general, national prevention and containment tips:
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Infection Control: Maintain i​nfection control policies and procedures, updated where needed and increase transmission-based precautions.
 
Staff: #GetVaccinated! Regularly wash your hands and use PPE where appropriate. Stay home if you're sick.​ ​
 
Limit Interactions: Implement social distancing within the facility where possible to help prevent the spread of infection.
 
PPE: Regularly review federal and state guidance on appropriate use of masks, gowns, gloves, etc. and maintain your inventory​.
 
Communicate: Report suspected or confirmed cases to authorities. Keep residents, families and staff informed about your developing situation. Prepare for media inquiries.
 
Engagement: Follow government guidelines for safe in-person visitations, keep residents connected with loved ones remotely, and offer meaningful activities adapted for this situation​.


If a staff member shows symptoms of COVID-19: Have them go home immediately. 

If a resident shows symptoms of ​COVID-19​: Implement droplet precaution, and contact the local health department. ​


 Families

Coronavirus (COVID-19) poses a serious threat to older adults (especially 80 years old and older) and those with underlying health conditions. But thanks to vaccines, treatments, infection control procedures, and less severe strains of the virus, we are better able to manage COVID-19.

Here's how you can help: 

  • Stay in Touch: Make sure your loved one's facility has your emergency contact information. The facility may need to communicate with you about any developments regarding your loved one or about the facility as a whole.
    • Many long term care facilities are only permitted to share information about a resident to a designated health representative. Work together as a family unit to share information to keep everyone informed.​

  • Visiting the Facility: When visiting your loved one, coordinate with the staff ahead of time. 
    • Upon arrival, they may ask you some questions, take your temperature, have you take a COVID test, and/or make sure you're wearing proper protective equipment (like a mask) when you arrive. This is to make sure you do not pose as a potential risk to residents and staff.  
    • If you are asked to not enter the building, please understand this is for the safety of your loved one and everyone else in the building. Nursing homes and assisted living communities are following direction from the government to prevent the spread of this virus.
    • Please wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately upon entering and throughout your visit. Wear a mask and any other protective equipment as directed by the facility.

  • #GetVaccinated: Do your part to help slow the spread of COVID-19. High community spread is linked to outbreaks in nursing homes. Stay up to date on your COVID vaccinations. ​

 Residents
​Coronavirus (COVID-19) poses a serious threat to older adults (especially 80 years old and older) and those with underlying health conditions. But thanks to vaccines, treatments, infection control procedures, and less severe strains of the virus, we are better able to manage COVID-19.   

Here's how you can help reduce your risk: 

  • #GetVaccinated: Stay up to date on your COVID vaccinations. Your facility can provide more specific information about how they can help you get vaccinated. 
  • Take Precautions: Follow everyday preventive actions such as: 
    • Washing your hands or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers 
    • Covering your cough and sneezes 
    • Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, when necessary  
  • Symptoms? Alert Staff: If you begin to experience difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, tell a staff member immediately.​

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USCIS Announces End of COVID-Related Flexibilitieshttps://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/USCIS-Announces-End-of-COVID-Related-Flexibilities.aspxUSCIS Announces End of COVID-Related Flexibilities3/27/2023 4:00:00 AM<p><span style="font-size:11pt;">Recently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that certain flexibilities it first announced in March 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic will end on March 23, 2023. USCIS previously notified the public in its <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-extends-covid-19-related-flexibilities-1" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">January 2023 announcement</a> that barring any changes presented by the pandemic, the extension of these flexibilities announced in January would be the last.  </span></p><div> <br></div><div>More specific details on this announcement can be found <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-end-of-covid-related-flexibilities" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">here​</a>.  <br></div><p>​</p>Recently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that certain flexibilities it first announced in March 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic will end on March 23, 2023.
AHCA/NCAL Member Resources on Medicaid Unwinding Now Availablehttps://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/AHCA-NCAL-Member-Resources-on-Medicaid-Unwinding-Now-Available.aspxAHCA/NCAL Member Resources on Medicaid Unwinding Now Available3/22/2023 4:00:00 AM<p style="text-align:left;"><b>Return to Regular Medicaid Redetermination: Ensuring Resident Medicaid Coverage<br></b><span style="font-size:11pt;"><b><br></b><strong></strong></span></p><div>Since March 2020, states ceased Medicaid eligibility determinations and have been unable to disenroll any Medicaid beneficiaries from the Medicaid program. The freeze on redeterminations and prohibition on disenrollment were based upon federal statutory requirements states had to meet to receive the increased federal Medicaid funding of 6.2% over the course of the pandemic. Now with the Public Health Emergency (PHE) ending, states are returning to “regular” Medicaid redeterminations schedules. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Why This Matters</strong><br></span><br></div><div><strong>States – </strong>State Medicaid Agencies have over 87 million redeterminations to conduct before May 2024. Since most states have not conducted redeterminations in over three years, beneficiary information has become out of date (contact information, financial information, etc.) and state agencies have had significant staff turnover and shortages. It is important for state and/or county eligibility units to have some staff familiar with redetermination.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Providers –</strong> If a beneficiary loses Medicaid eligibility, Medicaid payments stop, and beneficiaries have very clear protections in federal law for when these breaks occur despite the loss of Medicaid payments. Despite staff turnover in NF and AL business offices, providers need to ensure they have staff members with Medicaid redetermination experience.</div><div><br></div><div>AHCA/NCAL has prepared an <a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/medicaid-unwinding-return-to-regular-medicaid-redetermination-ensuring-resident-medicaid-coverage" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">array of resources</a> on ahcancalED aimed at supporting members to manage significant numbers of Medicaid Redeterminations. Working with partner organizations, AHCA/NCAL has developed three modules and related tools. <br></div>With the Public Health Emergency ending in May 2023, states are returning to “regular” Medicaid redeterminations schedules.
NHSN Updates Data Tracking Worksheet for COVID-19 Vaccinationhttps://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/NHSN-Updates-Data-Tracking-Worksheet-for-COVID-19-Vaccination.aspxNHSN Updates Data Tracking Worksheet for COVID-19 Vaccination2/16/2023 5:00:00 AM<p><br></p><div>NHSN released an updated version of the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/hps/covidvax/track-hcp-covidvax.xlsx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">Excel Data Tracking Worksheet</a> for facilities reporting COVID-19 vaccination data on health care personnel through the Healthcare Personnel Safety Component. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/hps/covidvax/track-hcp-covidvax.xlsx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">This version​</a> is dated October 2022 and reflects changes to the weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Module, including updated (bivalent) booster doses and the updated up to date vaccination classification for all reporting weeks beginning October 2022. When entering data for any months prior to June 2022, users will need to use the ‘Months Prior to June 2022’ worksheet.  </div><div> </div><div><a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/Documents/COVID19/NHSN%20Data%20Tracking%20Worksheet%20Draft%20Feb%202023.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">This document</a> offers instructions with screenshots and helpful information on use of the Excel Data Tracking Worksheet. </div><div> </div><div>Please email <a href="mailto:NHSN@cdc.gov" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">NHSN@cdc.gov</a> with any questions related to the Data Tracking Worksheet.<br></div>NHSN released an updated version of the Excel Data Tracking Worksheet for facilities reporting COVID-19 vaccination data on health care personnel through the Healthcare Personnel Safety Component.
PHE Unwinding — Returning to Medicaid Eligibility Redeterminationhttps://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/PHE-Unwinding-Returning-to-Medicaid-Eligibility-Redetermination.aspxPHE Unwinding — Returning to Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination2/7/2023 5:00:00 AM<p>The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 laid out timelines for states to return to regular Medicaid redeterminations, which were paused during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. For providers, this means your state will begin redetermining all residents covered by Medicaid in February, March or April 2023, and your buildings will begin receiving Redetermination Notices all together depending upon your state’s start date.​<br><br>Additional information is available in this <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/Documents/COVID19/Returning-to-Medicaid-Eligibility-Redetermination.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]">AHCA/NCAL memo</a>.​</p>The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 laid out timelines for states to return to regular Medicaid redeterminations, which were paused during the COVID-19 PHE.

​Guidance & Resources

​By Source


 AHCA/NCAL
Guidance
Emergency Preparedness
Screening
Confirmed Cases
Residents

 CDC
Overview of COVID-19
Health Care Facility Resources
Reporting Resources
Communication Resources

 CMS

 Other Federal Agencies
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    AHRQ's Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network
    The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has compiled resources that address staff and resident well-being and safe operations in nursing homes and long term care facilities.
  • about-list-n-disinfectants-coronavirus-covid-19-0#file-534797fas fa-link
     
    EPA: Registered Disinfectant Products
    Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product.
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    Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards for COVID-19
    OSHA recordkeeping requirements at 29 CFR Part 1904 mandate covered employers record certain work-related injuries and illnesses on their OSHA 300 log. While 29 CFR 1904.5(b)(2)(viii) exempts recording of the common cold and flu, COVID-19 is a recordable illness when a worker is infected on the job.

 State & Local

​​Guidance & Resources

​By Topic

 Finance & Reimbursement
General
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    Grant & Loan Management Primer
    AHCA/NCAL has developed a basic primer for organizing oversight and day-to-day management of various federal grants and loans.
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    COVID-19 Related Loss and Cost Calculator
    This excel workbook allows members to assess allowable costs already reimbursed by pre-COVID-19 payers (Medicare and Medicaid) and compare such reimbursement to shortfalls where grants and loans fill funding gaps.
CARES Act Provider Relief Fund
  • aspxfas fa-link
     
    COVID-19 Funding
    AHCA/NCAL's dedicated webpage on the Provider Relief Fund and Quality Incentive Program
1135 Waivers
Medicare
Medicare Advantage and ACOs
Medicaid

 Notifications & Reporting Cases

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Unwinding | May 11, 2023
Medicaid

 Testing
Regulatory Requirements
Rapid Point-of-Care Antigen Tests

 Training Programs
AHCA/NCAL
CDC and CMS

 Treatments

 Vaccines
Education and Promotion
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    #GetVaccinated
    AHCA/NCAL's campaign funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the CDC
Vaccines for Long Term Care
Vaccine Guidance
CMS Vaccine Requirements

 Workforce
OSHA
General Resources
Emotional PPE Project

 Contacts
Provider/General​ Inquires

COVID19@ahca.org 

Press Inquires

ahcapressoffice@ahca.org 

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