| Webinar Now Available: Overview of SNF 3-Day Stay and Benefit Period Waivers | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Webinar-Now-Available-Overview-of-SNF-3-Day-Stay-and-Benefit-Period-Waivers.aspx | Webinar Now Available: Overview of SNF 3-Day Stay and Benefit Period Waivers | | | | | 10/26/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>In response to the declaration of the COVID-19 national public health emergency (PHE), the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a nationwide blanket waiver of the 3-Day Prior Hospitalization and 60-day break in Benefit Period requirements to qualify for SNF Part A benefits effective March 1, 2020. When a blanket waiver is issued, providers don't have to apply for an individual waiver for the duration of the PHE. The PHE was recently renewed and will apply till at least January 20, 2021. </div><div><br></div><div>This AHCA/NCAL <a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/covid-19-overview-of-snf-3-day-stay-and-benefit-period-waivers" target="_blank">webinar</a> and accompanying <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/Documents/COVID19/3-Day%20Waiver%20FAQ.pdf" target="_blank">fact sheet</a> provide a brief overview of the background of these important waivers, and also provides specific details about when and how it would be appropriate for SNFs to apply the waivers to assure that Medicare beneficiaries are able to access skilled SNF Part A benefits in a manner that also minimizes risks for unnecessary exposure or transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Examples of how the 3-Day Stay and Benefit Period waivers can or cannot apply in common situations are be discussed. Additionally, details related to documentation, MDS assessment scheduling, and claims coding and sequencing requirements specific to these waivers are reviewed. </div><div><br></div><div>While providing a general overview of these waivers, the target audience for this webinar includes SNF personnel responsible for making coverage eligibility decisions, as well as MDS scheduling personnel and billing office personnel responsible for assuring compliance with the modified requirements necessary for claims applying these waivers to be properly processed by CMS. <br><br></div> | HHS issued a nationwide blanket waiver of the 3-Day Prior Hospitalization and 60-day break in Benefit Period requirements to qualify for SNF Part A benefits effective March 1, 2020. | |
| Congress Must Provide Additional Relief Funds For Long Term Care Providers | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/Congress-Must-Provide-Additional-Relief-Funds-For-Long-Term-Care-Providers.aspx | Congress Must Provide Additional Relief Funds For Long Term Care Providers | | | | | 10/26/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;">As discussions around the next stimulus bill continue, the health of millions of long term care residents and staff is at stake. Billions of dollars are on the line to help the country address the impact of COVID-19, and the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) is <a href="https://www.wusa9.com/article/features/producers-picks/nursing-homes-worry-about-new-spike-in-deaths-as-cases-rise-again/65-02a75503-ed90-403a-bb27-0bf8edc0ab6e" target="_blank">encouraging</a> lawmakers to legislate and pass a relief package. In July, AHCA/NCAL <a href="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/Nursing-Homes-Request-Priority-and-Funding-From-Congress-in-Next-COVID-Bill-to-Protect-Residents-and-Caregivers.aspx" target="_blank">requested priority</a> in the next stimulus bill, including: </span></p><div><ul><li>A two-pronged approach to testing that provides financial support for increased and prioritized testing for providers and residents.</li><li>An additional $100 billion to the Provider Relief Fund with a substantial portion dedicated to long term care.</li><li>Vaccine priority to residents and staff.</li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Most of the $175 billion Provider Relief Fund provided in April by the CARES Act has already been distributed, but long term care providers will need additional funding to continue fighting the virus – especially with new COVID cases now rising among the general population in the majority of the country.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>AHCA/NCAL released a <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/Report-Nursing-Homes-Cases-Oct19-2020.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> last week that showed that a third spike in cases could occur in long term care facilities due to increasing community spread. Recent data from Johns Hopkins and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shows that weekly nursing home cases rose in late September for the first time in seven weeks after new cases dropped significantly throughout August and early September. According to Johns Hopkins, COVID cases in the general U.S. population rose by 62,139 cases per week in late September correlating with an uptick in nursing home cases during the week of September 27.</div><div><br></div><div>With a third spike looming, long term care providers need reinforced support. Adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gowns, gloves and N95 masks, and timely testing are the most effective ways to keep residents and staff safe. These supplies are especially important as some states move to resume visitation. But these resources come with considerable costs, which is why additional funding from Congress is so critical.</div><div> </div><div>Without replenishing funds, the country could repeat the same mistakes that were made during the initial outbreak in the spring and the major spike over the summer. Nursing homes and assisted living communities could find themselves unprepared for the challenges of the upcoming winter season, which could inevitably result in an uptick in new COVID cases. </div><div><br></div><div>We cannot forget that the virus still poses a considerable threat to long term care residents and staff. Congress must prioritize our vulnerable seniors and their caregivers by passing another bill as soon as possible. The funding long term care providers have received thus far has helped, but without another round of funding, providers risk losing the progress they’ve made. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.ncal.org</a>.<br></div> | As discussions around the next stimulus bill continue, the health of millions of long term care residents and staff is at stake. | |
| Updated HHS NHSN Reporting Requirements | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Updated-HHS-NHSN-Reporting-Requirements.aspx | Updated HHS NHSN Reporting Requirements | | | | | 10/22/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;">In an updated </span><a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/covid-19-laboratory-data-reporting-guidance.pdf" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;">memo</a><span style="font-size:11pt;"> from HHS, the point-of-care testing results are now required as part of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system. The HHS memo identifies that “CMS-certified long term care facilities shall submit point-of-care COVID-19 testing data, including antigen testing data, to CDC’s NHSN." To report the point-of-care test results to NHSN, facilities will need to upgrade from SAMS Level-1 access to SAMS Level-3 access. While this new requirement goes into effect immediately, AHCA has been told that enforcement discretion will be utilized until November 20th to allow time for centers to make the upgrade from Level-1 to Level-3. </span></p><div><br></div><div>Centers must immediately take action to<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/ltc/covid19/sams-access.html" target="_blank"> upgrade from Level-1 to Level-3</a> to avoid enforcement penalties and to meet this new requirement. T<strong>his process can take up to four weeks</strong>, so do not delay. </div><div><br></div><div>To facilitate upgrade to SAMS Level-3 you must: </div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>Have <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/sams/sams-id-508.pdf" target="_blank">two forms of identification</a> ready to submit <br></li></ul></div><div><p></p><ul><li>Login to SAMS at <a href="https://auth.cdc.gov/siteminderagent/forms/login.fcc?TYPE=33554433&REALMOID=06-2e4e428f-8768-4f65-a66d-911e49413d9e&GUID=&SMAUTHREASON=0&METHOD=GET&SMAGENTNAME=-SM-VfBllSkkIKR6GkMEZgI2o6e2zk/xh2fc/e5E0N/N98H5LsZWkDhX/H618YU%2bV1pFG6Dqc8o%2buj7a7BOjbw3l3DbOwJLzWlX7IAOrlseiUBdD9DB45IS4xFtcl/Rbqrug&TARGET=-SM-https://sams.cdc.gov/" target="_blank">https://sams.cdc.gov</a> and use the <em>Update Profile</em> menu option on the left side of the page. Confirm that your home mailing address is correct and current within your SAMS profile. <br></li></ul><ul><li>Ensure that your<strong> name</strong> and <strong>address</strong> match how it appears on your submitted identification (such as your state issued driver’s license). <br></li></ul></div><div><ul><li>Once you submit your identification, SAMS must confirm your identity. Once confirmed, SAMS will send you a “Welcome to SAMS” email as well as a SAMS Grid Card mailed to hour residential/home address via USPS mail. <strong>The SAMS Grid Card permits LEVEL-3 access to NHSN</strong>.<br></li></ul></div><div><ul><li>After receiving your SAMS grid card via USPS mail, you must login to SAMS at <a href="https://auth.cdc.gov/siteminderagent/forms/login.fcc?TYPE=33554433&REALMOID=06-2e4e428f-8768-4f65-a66d-911e49413d9e&GUID=&SMAUTHREASON=0&METHOD=GET&SMAGENTNAME=-SM-VfBllSkkIKR6GkMEZgI2o6e2zk/xh2fc/e5E0N/N98H5LsZWkDhX/H618YU%2bV1pFG6Dqc8o%2buj7a7BOjbw3l3DbOwJLzWlX7IAOrlseiUBdD9DB45IS4xFtcl/Rbqrug&TARGET=-SM-https://sams.cdc.gov/" target="_blank">https://sams.cdc.gov</a>. Underneath the National Healthcare Safety Network System header, select “NHSN Reporting” link. NOTE: <strong>Do NOT access NHSN LTC Reporting as this option will direct you back to Level-1 security.</strong> </li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>Alternatively, facilities can email <a href="mailto:nhsn@cdc.gov">nhsn@cdc.gov</a> with the subject line “Enhancing Data Security” to begin upgrading their SAMS access to use this Pathway. <br></div><p><br></p> | In an updated memo from HHS, the point-of-care testing results are now required as part of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system. | |
| Weighing Pharmacy Options for the CDC Vaccine Distribution Program | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Weighing-Pharmacy-Options-for-the-CDC-Vaccine-Distribution-Program.aspx | Weighing Pharmacy Options for the CDC Vaccine Distribution Program | | | | | 10/22/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;">There are risks associated with which pharmacy option you select for the Pharmacy Partnership for Long Term Care Program. Long term care facilities need to identify by October 30 as to how they want to receive and administer the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Providers have four options to select from: </span></p><div><ul><li>work with CVS; </li><li>work with Walgreens; </li><li>work with their existing pharmacy partner; or </li><li>work with an alternative partner (e.g. hospital, local/state health department). </li></ul></div><div>
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<strong>If selecting options three or four, AHCA/NCAL strongly recommends providers first ask to see a signed copy of that entity's provider agreement with their state and CDC, otherwise they run the risk of not being included in early rounds of vaccine delivery and distribution</strong>. This could result in delays in your facility obtaining the vaccine. More information can be found on
<a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/Documents/COVID19/AHCANCAL-Overview-Pharmacy-Partnership-LTC.pdf" target="_blank">AHCA/NCAL’s program overview and FAQ’s</a>. </div><div>
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</div><div>The sign-up process is below: <br><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><br></div><div><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-0" style="text-align:center;"><tbody><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="width:50%;">
<strong>NURSING HOMES</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:50%;"><div>
<strong>ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES</strong></div><div>and other congregate settings (ICF/IIDs, independent living, etc.)<br></div></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0">
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/index.html" target="_blank"><span class="ms-rteStyle-BlueButton">Sign in to NHSN</span></a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0">
<a href="https://redcap.link/LTCF" target="_blank">
<span class="ms-rteStyle-BlueButton">Register through REDCap</span></a><br></td></tr></tbody></table>
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<br><span style="font-size:11pt;">Read more about the program
</span><a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/White-House-Announces-Vaccination-Distribution-Program-for-LTC-Residents.aspx" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;">here</a><span style="font-size:11pt;">.</span><br></div> | There are risks associated with which pharmacy option you select for the Pharmacy Partnership for Long Term Care Program. | |