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:
​
 
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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NHSN Updates Data Tracking Worksheet for COVID-19 Vaccinationhttps://www.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://www.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.
AHCA/NCAL Releases State Of The Nursing Home Sector Reporthttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCANCAL-Releases-State-Of-The-Nursing-Home-Sector-Report.aspxAHCA/NCAL Releases State Of The Nursing Home Sector Report2/6/2023 5:00:00 AM<p></p><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C. </strong>– The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released today the “<a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/State-of-Nursing-Homes-Infographic.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">State of the Nursing Home Sector</a>" report, a data-backed snapshot of the industry's most critical issues. On the eve of President Biden's State of the Union, the nursing home industry is calling on federal policymakers to prioritize our nation's seniors to prevent worsening a growing access to care crisis, as nursing homes struggle to find workers and keep their doors open. <br><br>“We have come a long way since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but nursing homes are facing a mounting crisis that our leaders in Washington can no longer ignore," said <strong>Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL</strong>. “This report illustrates the impact that long-standing economic and workforce challenges are having on our seniors and their access to care. Nursing homes have done everything they can to address these problems, but they need help." <br><br>Highlights from the report include: <br> <br><strong>COVID-19 </strong><br><br><ul><li>More than 50 percent of residents are up to date on their vaccines, which is three times higher than the general population.</li><li>Nursing homes are seeing the longest running streak of historically low resident mortality rates due to COVID-19 – fewer than 0.5 per 1,000 residents since February 13, 2022.<br></li></ul><strong><div><strong><br></strong></div>Historic Labor Shortage </strong><br><br><ul><li>Nursing homes experienced the worst job loss of any health care sector during the pandemic, with 210,000 jobs lost from February 2020 to December 2022.</li><li>Workforce levels are the lowest they've been since 1994.</li><li>At the current pace of modest job growth, nursing homes would not return to pre-pandemic levels until 2027. </li><li>84 percent of nursing homes are currently facing moderate to high levels of staffing shortages.<br></li></ul><strong><div><strong><br></strong></div>On the Financial Brink</strong><br><br><ul><li>55 percent of nursing home providers say they are operating at a loss.</li><li>52 percent may not be able to continue operating for more than a year at the current pace.<br></li></ul><strong><div><strong><br></strong></div>Access to Care Crisis</strong><br><br><ul><li>54 percent of nursing home providers say they are having to limit new admissions due to staffing shortages. </li><li>465 nursing homes have closed over the course of the pandemic, displacing 18,071 residents. </li></ul> <br>“This is a call to action. We need lawmakers to pass <a href="/Advocacy/Pages/Care-For-Our-Seniors-Act.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">meaningful reforms</a>, both immediate and long-term, that aid providers in addressing our core challenges," <strong>concluded Parkinson</strong>. “We are thankful for the support we continue to receive from lawmakers, including a recent <a href="https://www.tester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tester-barrasso-hickenlooper-daines-push-biden-administration-to-better-address-rural-nursing-home-staffing-shortages/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">letter</a> from Senators Tester (D-MT), Barrasso (R-WY), Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Daines (R-MT), and signed by nine of their colleagues, opposing unworkable and unfunded federal staffing mandates. We look forward to continuing to work with policymakers to advance solutions that will transform our industry and ensure America's most vulnerable have access to high-quality care."<br><br><p>Read the full report <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/State-of-Nursing-Homes-Infographic.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <br></p><p>​</p>On the eve of President Biden’s State of the Union, AHCA/NCAL released the “State of the Nursing Home Sector” report, a data-backed snapshot of the industry’s most critical issues.
QRP Deadline Approaching for 2022 Q3https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/QRP-Deadline-Approaching-for-2022-Q3.aspxQRP Deadline Approaching for 2022 Q32/6/2023 5:00:00 AM<p><br><br></p><div>Participants in the SNF Quality Reporting Program have until Wednesday, February 15, 2023, to report 2022 Quarter 3 weekly health care personnel COVID-19 vaccination summary data. This data must be entered into the National Healthcare Safety Network (NSHN). This <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/newsletters/q1-2022-nl-508.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">detailed guide</a> shows you how to enter CMS reportable data into NHSN.  </div><div><br></div><div>If you are unable to enter data into NHSN, or for questions or assistance with accessing NSHN, please contact <a href="mailto:nhsn@cdc.gov" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">nhsn@cdc.gov</a>.<br>​<br><br></div>Participants in the SNF QRP have until Wednesday, February 15, 2023, to report 2022 Quarter 3 weekly health care personnel COVID-19 vaccination summary data.

​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
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    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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