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We are closely monitoring the news and guidance concerning COVID-19 and are working with the Governor’s office, the Indiana Department of Health and AHCA/NCAL, to ensure our member providers receive the necessary guidance to care for the most vulnerable Hoosiers during this public health emergency. Visit this webpage daily to access the latest updates.
Please Note: On June 11, 2021, this article was updated to include the Indiana Department of Health’s (IDH) FAQ Document on the recently updated Visitation Guidelines. The Visitation Signage was also updated to clarify that indoor visitation can be limited in certain circumstances and that residents in semi-private rooms are permitted more than one (1) visitor, if social distancing allows. If the roommate is present, then the curtain should be pulled during the visit. As a reminder, the Visitation Signage must be posted conspicuously for both residents and visitors to see (i.e., at the entrance and next to other required notices) in both nursing facilities and residential care facilities (licensed assisted living). In addition, all resident families / designated representatives must receive this signage as a notification. This can be done electronically or in line with a facility’s current family notification procedure. IDH surveyors will check to make sure each facility has posted the sign as required, along with confirming that visitation is being provided as outlined by the Visitation Guidelines.
This article was previously updated on June 4 based on the updated Visitation Guidelines are as follows:
On June 11, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released updated reporting requirements for recipients of Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payments. With this announcement, HHS expands the amount of time providers will have to report information and extends key deadlines for expending PRF payments for recipients who received payments after June 30, 2020. Highlights of the updated reporting requirements are as follow:
As a reminder, enforcement of CMS’s Interim Final Rule on COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements will begin Monday, June 14. A summary of the Interim Final Rule can be found here. Most importantly, nursing facilities, at a minimum, should have reported their vaccination data for the week of May 31 – June 5 by Sunday, June 13 at midnight to avoid a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP).
Also, please note that CMS will publicly release facility-level resident and staff COVID-19 vaccination data collected through NHSN on Thursday every week. As of May 30, only 28.5% of nursing facilities across the country had reported data, and 29.6% of nursing facilities in Indiana had reported data.
On June 10, 2021, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released new requirements for frontline health care workers through an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). The full ETS rule can be found here, and a helpful summary of the ETS can be found here. The rule is effective immediately and applies to all health care workers, including long-term care facilities (except for off-site corporate and medical billing locations). We encourage you to review the requirements of the ETS with counsel.
Please Note: On June 4, 2021, this article was updated to reflect recent changes to the Indiana Department of Health’s (IDH) Infection Control Standard Operating Procedure based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) new guidance that health care providers should only use N-95 respirators, rather than K-95 respirators (when N-95 respirators are required), and should not be using crisis standards, as availability of N-95 respirators is sufficient. Accordingly, IDH’s Infection Control Standard Operating Procedure was updated to state:
IDH has verbally clarified that facilities do not have to return to conventional N-95 use immediately and may use up any remaining K-95 supply, but going forward, facilities should start only obtaining N-95 respirators (and not K-95 respirators) and transition to that supply. As a reminder, N-95 respirators should be worn in Red and Yellow units, and the NIOSH Certified Equipment List may be utilized to identify all NIOSH-approved respirators. IHCA/INCAL’s PPE Conservation Toolkit is also a helpful tool to track inventory and transition between conservation and conventional PPE use, including a Burn Rate Calculator.
On May 28, 2021, Governor Eric Holcomb issued Executive Order 21-14, which extends Indiana’s public health emergency until July 1, 2021. Indiana’s public health emergency was set to expire on June 30, 2021, and can be extended in 30-day increments at a time under state law. The federal public health emergency has been extended through July 20, 2021, and is expected to be extended for 90 days at a time through the end of 2021.
Due to the extension of the state’s public health emergency, Indiana’s emergency orders and waivers are also extended until July 1, 2021. For a summary of Indiana’s current emergency orders and waivers, please click here.
Please Note: On May 28, 2021, this article was updated to reflect recent clarifications from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), including an example calculation of a COVID-19-related expense, clarification that the loss of revenue due to a decline in census will not be considered a direct expense for purposes of this application, and an estimated approval timeline as outlined further below.
On May 19, 2021, FSSA released a bulletin outlining relief for COVID-19-related expenses for Aged & Disabled (A&D) Waiver assisted living providers utilizing Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2021.
Please note, this relief utilizing CARES Act funding is separate and distinct from the enhanced FMAP that has been made available to states through the American Rescue Plan.
Phase II of Indiana’s Nursing Home ECHO Program is starting August 26 – 31, 2021, for approximately 20 weeks. Each cohort includes regularly scheduled meetings consisting of presentations that address emerging COVID-19 issues affecting long-term care and collaborative case-based learning.
IHCA/INCAL has developed this page to list relevant COVID-19 vaccine resources. As we receive more information, we will continue to update this page with latest information.
HHS
Indiana Department of Health
CDC
AHCA/NCAL
IHCA/INCAL
American Medical Directors Association
CDC
Walgreens
CVS
The Food and Drug Administration issued the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on December 18, 2020. This EUA Fact Sheet is now available and will help you communicate with residents, family and staff regarding the vaccine.
The Food and Drug Administration issued the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on December 12, 2020. This EUA Fact Sheet is now available and will help you communicate with residents, family and staff regarding the vaccine.
As of April 15 the Indiana Department of Health will be unable to participate in the webinars on a weekly basis. However, IHCA/INCAL staff will continue to host the webinars to answer your questions and provide guidance. IHCA/INCAL will engage IDOH on issues that cannot be answered during each webinar and also plan with IDOH on the times that they can participate in some of the webinars.
HOW TO JOIN THE WEBINAR
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
+1 463-900-4253,,240786210# United States, Indianapolis
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June 17, 2021
June 10, 2021
June 3, 2021
May 27, 2021
May 20, 2021
May 13, 2021
May 6, 2021
April 29, 2021
April 22, 2021
April 15, 2021
April 8, 2021
April 1, 2021
To access archive recordings from 2020, please click here.
EMResource is a web-based resource management and communication tool used to monitor and notify changes in resources statuses. IDH is asking you to update your PPE supplies daily in this tool so that resources can be distributed efficiently.
Coordinate account registration with your facility administrator. We recommend designating at least two individuals that can track and input data into EMResource.
Project ECHO is actively recruiting nursing homes around the country to join an interactive community of practice to advance improvements in COVID-19 preparedness, safety and infection control. Supported by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), the AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network is open to any nursing home across the country at no cost. Explore Project ECHO’ website and resources here and download an informational flyer here.
IHCA/INCAL Contact: Zach Cattell| zcatell@ihca.org
June 11: OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard for Health Care Workers
May 24: Emotional PPE Project
March 23: Extension of Temporary Health Care Licenses
November 23: Criminal History and Fingerprinting Requirements during the PHE
November 17: OSHA Releases Frequently Cited Standards Related to COVID-19 Inspections
November 9: OSHA Releases Respiratory Protection Guidance for LTCFs
November 6: IDH Issues Certified Nurse Aide Training Program Orders
October 19: Indiana Health Care Reserve Workforce
September 14: Update to Paid Leave Requirements of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
August 20: Influenza Vaccinations as a Condition of Employment
August 12: OSHA Increases Scrutiny on Long-Term Care Facilities
July 1: Nursing Licensure Compact – Effective July 1, 2020
March 29: Hiring and On-Boarding Workforce Resources
March 29: Department of Labor Guidance on New Leave Benefits
EMResource is a web-based resource management and communication tool used to monitor and notify changes in resources statuses. IDH is asking you to update your PPE supplies daily in this tool so that resources can be distributed efficiently.
Coordinate account registration with your facility administrator. We recommend designating at least two individuals that can track and input data into EMResource.
Feb. 25: Hospital to Post-Acute Transfer Assessment and Guidance
December 20: Post COVID-19 Vaccine Considerations for LTC Residents
December 20: Post COVID-19 Vaccine Considerations for Healthcare Personnel
December 11: COVID-19 Vaccine Updates from IHCA/INCAL President Zach Cattell and AHCA President & CEO Mark Parkinson
December 11: CMS Issues Guidance on Visitation in Nursing Facilities & Use of CMP Funds
December 11: IDH Issues Updated Quarantine Guidance for LTC Staff
December 9: LTC Data Dashboard Shows Prolonged COVID-19 Case Increases
December 8: Nursing Home Quality Incentive Program Methodology
December 8: BinaxNOW™ Request Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities & Assisted Living Memory Care Unit Testing
December 2: Infection Prevention FAQs on Close Contacts, Exposure, & More
December 1: COVID-19 Guidance for NEMT Drivers Transporting Nursing Facility Residents
December 1: HHS Publishes Facility-Specific List of COVID Quality Incentive Payments
December 1: Indiana’s PHE Extended until December 31, 2020
November 30: Opportunity to Participate in a Free One-Time PCR Testing
November 24: Important: Essential Family Caregiver Program Reminder
November 23: Criminal History and Fingerprinting Requirements during the PHE
November 22: NHSN Reporting Changes Effective Nov. 23rd
November 20: PPE Shipments & Outbreak Testing for ALs
November 20: Students Step Up 2 Serve Initiative
November 20: IDH COVID Clinical Checklist
November 19: Three new roles approved for Guard Members: Indiana National Guard Assistance for Nursing Facilities
November 18: IDH & CMS Issues Holiday Guidance for LTCF Residents
November 17: CARES Act Quality Incentive Payment Program
November 17: NHSN To Update Reporting Pathways
November 17: OSHA Releases Frequently Cited Standards Related to COVID-19 Inspections
November 16: Mass Adjustment for Certain $115 Add-on Claims
November 15: Marion County to Require Negative COVID-19 Tests Prior to Indoor Visitation Starting November 25th
November 13: Governor Holcomb Issues Executive Order 20-48 – LTCFs Should Continue to Adhere to CMS & IDH Visitation Guidelines
November 13: COVID-19 Vaccine – LTC Prioritized – Survey Coming
November 13: IDH Issues Updated Visitation Guidelines – 14-Day Quarantine Required for All Excursions
November 10: New Update: HHS NHSN Reporting Requirements
November 9: OSHA Releases Respiratory Protection Guidance for LTCFs
November 9: Bed Changes, Relocations, Use of Unlicensed Space – COVID-19 Facility Emergencies
November 6: IDH Issues Certified Nurse Aide Training Program Orders
November 2: Summary of COVID-19 Emergency Orders and Waivers for Comprehensive Care Facilities from ISDH
November 2: Summary of COVID-19 Waivers, Guidance, and Emergency Orders for Residential Care Facilities from ISDH
October 29: Important: IDH Updates COVID-19 Data Submission Guidelines
October 29: POC Antigen Test and PCR Test Decision Tree
October 27: New Infection Prevention and Control Tools from IDH
October 25: Indiana Department of Health Provides PPE Shipment Details for the Week of October 25
October 22: Updated Reporting Requirements to the Provider Relief Fund
October 21: PPE Vendors and Assistance
October 20: IDH Issues Updated Visitation Guidance
October 19: Indiana Health Care Reserve Workforce
October 16: New Pathway to Report POC Test Results through Electronic Lab Reporting Process
October 5: Federal Public Health Emergency Extended until January 22, 2021
October 2: CMS Issues Guidance on Exemption from Conducting Full-Scale Emergency Preparedness Testing Exercises
October 1: [UPDATED] CMS Issues Guidance on COVID-19 Testing of NF Staff & Residents
September 30: Extension of Temporary Health Care Licenses
September 25: 4.2% Medicaid Nursing Facility Rate Increase Extended
September 25: ISDH Provides Antigen Testing Guidance
September 24: Indiana’s Public Health Emergency Extended until November 1, 2020
September 23: HHS Releases Provider Relief Fund Reporting Guidance
September 23: CMS Updates County COVID-19 Positivity Data | Sept. 3-16, 2020
September 22: Reporting False Positives in COVID-19 Testing
September 18: CMS Issues Visitation Guidance for Nursing Facilities
September 18: New Details on Incentive Payments for Nursing Facilities
September 17: ISDH Renews Blanket Waivers for Comprehensive and Residential Care Facilities
September 16: BinaxNOW COVID-19 Cards – REDCaps Reporting Required
September 15: Assisted Living Funding Allocation Deadline Extended to Sept. 21
September 14: Update to Paid Leave Requirements of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
September 9: HHS Announces $2 Billion Quality Incentive Program for Nursing Homes
September 8: Point of Care COVID-19 Test Reporting Guidance
September 8: UPL Q4 Interim Payment and COVID-19 add-ons
September 8: Nursing Facility COVID-19 Rate Enhancements
September 8: New COVID-19 Positive $115 Add-on Billing Instructions
September 4: POC test results tracking form and update on ISDH’s reporting mechanism for lab results
September 2: Provider Relief Fund Allocation for Private Pay Assisted Living
September 2: Antigen Tests for Assisted Living Communities
September 2: Updates to NHSN LTCF COVID-19 Module Resident Impact and Facility Capacity Pathway
August 27: Return to Work Decision Tree
August 27: Important: County Positivity Data for NF Staff Testing Now Available
August 27: Requirements of Reporting by CLIA Laboratories
August 25: Targeted COVID-19 Training for Frontline Nursing Home Staff & Management
August 17: Important Updates from ISDH on COVID-19 Testing for Nursing Facility Staff
August 12: New NHSN Data Elements on Testing
August 12: Changes to Medicaid Tranche Eligibility – Applications Due August 28, 2020
August 12: OSHA Increases Scrutiny on Long-Term Care Facilities
August 10: HHS Opens CHOW Portal
August 7: AHCA Update on HHS CARES Distribution to Nursing Facilities
August 7: Updated – COVID-19 Testing of Nursing Facility Staff Required in August/September
July 31: Deadline Extended: Medicaid Applications for Provider Relief Fund Due August 28, 2020
July 31: CMS Issues FY 2021 SNF Final Payment Rule
July 30: Point-of-Care COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits
July 24: State and Federal Government Extend Waivers for Long-Term Care Facilities
July 24: Updated ISDH COVID-19 LTC Facility Infection Control Guidance and SOP
July 23: ISDH Issues Clarifications on Resident Excursions
July 23: Initial Long-Term Care Data Released
July 17: Four Hours of Visitation Required Starting July 17, 2020
July 11: Update: Long-Term Care COVID-19 Data Reporting and EHR Survey
July 2: Urgent: Long-Term Care Data Required by July 14, 2020, 6PM EDT
July 1: NHSN Reporting Problems, Tags, and Penalties
July 1: Nursing Licensure Compact – Effective July 1, 2020
Sustainable COVID-19 Planning for Long-term Care Facilities
June 26: Updated CARES Act Funding for Waiver Assisted Living Providers
June 26: CMS Ends Blanket Waiver on Staffing Data – Q2 Staffing Data Due August 14, 2020
June 19: ISDH Guidance on Environmental Steps to Reduce Indoor COVID-19 Transmission
June 18: Announcement Regarding Upcoming Medicaid Cost Report
June 18: Nursing Facility Staff Testing Portal to View Results and Report Tests
June 18: HHS Offers Medicaid Allocation Application Tutorials
June 15: ISDH FAQs – Outdoor Family Visitation at LTCFs
June 15: Updated COVID-19 Specimen Collection and Submission Guidelines
June 11: NHSN Reporting Compliance Tips – Avoid CMPs and Nursing Home Compare Points
June 11: OIG Audit of Nursing Facilities for Infection Control and Emergency Preparedness
June 8: Indiana Medicaid Clarifies How to “De-Attest” COVID-Ready Status
June 8: Nursing Facility Staff COVID-19 Testing Registration
June 2: COVID-19 Survey Activities and Enhanced Enforcement for Infection Control Deficiencies
June 2: June 3 Attestation Deadline Applies Only to Medicare FFS Provider Relief Payment
June 1: Contact Tracing Calls
May 29: IHCA/INCAL Guidelines for Resident Voting at a Public Polling Site During COVID-19 Pandemic
May 29: IHCA/INCAl’s Letter to ISDH on Nursing Facility Staff Testing Effort
May 26: NHSN Reporting Update and FAQs
May 26: Revised OSHA COVID-19 Policies
May 26: CARES Attestation Window Extended
May 19: CMS Nursing Home Reopening Recommendations and AHCA Memorandum on COVID-19 Testing in LTCFs
May 18: Updated COVID-19 Specimen Collection and Submission Guidelines
May 18: Updated ISDH Strategies for Memory Care Units
May 18: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission COVID-19 Testing Guidance
May 18: ISDH Asks Nursing Homes for Feedback on Testing of Staff
May 13: APIC Indiana Long-Term Care COVID-19 Networking and Open Forum Sessions
May 11: Additional COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Waivers for Nursing Facilities
May 11: Hospital to Post-Acute Care Transfer COVID-19 Assessment Form
May 11: NHSN: Accurately Report Staffing & PPE Shortages
May 10: COVID-19 Testing Strategies
May 10: Required IOSHA COVID-19 Safety Plans
May 8: Fire Safety Considerations for Hand Sanitizers
May 6: COVID-19 Waivers, Guidance, and Emergency Orders for Residential Care Facilities from ISDH
May 6: COVID-19 Emergency Orders and Waivers for Comprehensive Care Facilities from ISDH
May 3: CMS Issues Additional Blanket Regulatory Waivers
May 3: Effective Date of CMS Interim Final Rule on COVID-19 Reporting for Nursing Homes
May 3: CMS Issues Additional Blanket Regulatory Waivers
April 29: Indiana COVID-19 Testing Sites
April 27: AHCA/NCAL Grant & Loan Management Resource Guide
April 27: COVID-19 Related Loss and Cost Calculator
April 27: Updated – Accelerated and Advance Payments FAQs
April 25: Five Star Updates, Nursing Home Staff Counts, and FAQs
April 25: CMS Updates COVID-19 FAQs on Medicare FFS Billing
April 24: CMS Releases CMP Reinvestment Application for Communication Technologies
April 20: Reminder: New RedCap Survey for COVID-19 Reporting – Effective Monday, April 20, 2020
April 20: Stay-at-Home Order Extended until May 1, 2020
April 18: ISDH Issues Additional CNA Flexibilities
April 17: Updated CDC Guidance for Return to Work Criteria and Source Control
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