Coronavirus

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The COVID-19 pandemic took an enormous toll on the long term care community. But thanks to lifesaving vaccines, therapeutic treatments, and our dedicated providers, we are better able to manage COVID to help protect our residents and staff. AHCA/NCAL continues to work with the federal government and public health officials to assist long term care providers with guidance and resources to curb the spread of 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 as recommended by CDC.
 
Staff: Stay up to date on your COVID vaccinations! Regularly wash your hands and use PPE where appropriate. Stay home if you're sick.​ ​
 
Monitor: Keep an eye on rates of COVID in your surrounding community to determine the appropriate procedures for testing, PPE use, visitations, and other infection control measures.
 
PPE: Review federal, state and CDC guidance on appropriate use of masks, gowns, gloves, etc.​
 
Communicate: Report suspected or confirmed cases to public health officials. Keep residents, families and staff informed.
 
Engagement: Follow government guidelines for safe in-person visitations.


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

If a resident shows symptoms of ​COVID-19​: Implement precautions based off CDC guidance, 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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Join CDC Webinars on Respiratory Virus Updates – Monday, September 16!https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Join-CDC-Webinars-on-Respiratory-Virus-Updates-–-Monday,-September-16!.aspxJoin CDC Webinars on Respiratory Virus Updates – Monday, September 16!9/13/2024 4:00:00 AMJoin the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) <strong>on Monday, September 16, 2024,</strong> for two important webinars focused on preparing long term care providers for the upcoming respiratory virus season.<br><br><strong>NEW CDC Briefing: <em>Risk Less. Do More</em>. Fall Respiratory Virus Campaign</strong><br><ul><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">Time: 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Time</li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">Details: CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen and leaders from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will present an overview of the Risk Less. Do More. public education campaign, which aims to increase awareness of, confidence in, and uptake of vaccines that reduce severe illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV, particularly in at-risk populations.<br></li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><a href="https://hhsgov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_KwY5mi3hQMyIc07invUbWg#/registration" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>Register for the 3:30 PM briefing here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></li></ul><strong>CDC Webinar: 2024-2025 Respiratory Virus Season Updates for Long Term Care Providers</strong><br><ul><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Eastern Time</li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">Details: The CDC’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion will provide the latest guidance on COVID-19, influenza (flu), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines, testing, treatment, and infection prevention strategies for long term care facilities.</li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><a href="https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_H4-bbiGEQyOCaP7YUT8Jng#/registration" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>Register for the 1:00 PM webinar here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></li></ul>Don’t miss these valuable opportunities to stay informed and prepare your facility f​or the fall and winter respiratory virus season.<br><br>Feel free to share this information with your networks.<br><br>For additional resources, visit<a href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"> #GetVaccinated.us</a>.​​​<br><br>
SAVE THE DATE! Upcoming NHSN Webinars on September 24 & October 1https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/SAVE-THE-DATE-Upcoming-NHSN-Webinars-on-September-24-October-1.aspxSAVE THE DATE! Upcoming NHSN Webinars on September 24 & October 19/11/2024 4:00:00 AM<p><span style="font-size:11pt;">The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced upcoming webinars to review changes to the Resident Data Collection Form and the definition of "up to date" for weekly COVID-19 vaccination reporting to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). Nursing homes are still required under </span><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-G/part-483/subpart-B/section-483.80" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;">§483.80(g)(1)(viii)</a><span style="font-size:11pt;"> to report COVID-19 vaccination data weekly to NHSN. </span></p><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">There are several opportunities to attend the training. These changes are anticipated to go into effect on </span><strong style="font-size:11pt;">September 30, 2024. </strong><br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Webinar Topic: </strong></div><div>LTCF Respiratory Pathogens Module: Updates to Resident Data Collection Form and "Up-to-Date" Definition for Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Data Reporting for Healthcare Personnel and Residents </div><div><br></div><div><strong>When: </strong></div><div><ul><li><strong>September 24, 2024</strong> | 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) <br><a href="https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_iGDEZDj5S1ymG4J9cfiK_A" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">R<span style="font-size:11pt;">egister in advance </span></a></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>October 1, 2024</strong> | 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) <br></span><a href="https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_QU63La9WRb2D1OqZmimYtA" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Register in advance </a></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Additional replay s</strong></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>essions are also available:</strong></span><br></div><div><ul><li><strong>October 9, 2024</strong> | 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) <br><a href="https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_Ed-FwIvxSYCawvm5qGxL_Q" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Register in advance </a></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>October 16, 2024</strong> | 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) <br></span><a href="https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_zDL7rE6gSb2ESacv2bxvYA" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Register in advance ​</a><br></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">After registering for any of the above sessions, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. </span><br></div><p>​</p>The CDC has announced upcoming webinars to review changes to the Resident Data Collection Form and the definition of "up to date" for weekly COVID-19 vaccination reporting to the NHSN.
AHCA/NCAL and 330 Other Organizations Urge for Extension of Mental Health Virtual Prescribing Flexibilitieshttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/AHCANCAL-and-330-Other-Organizations-Urge-for-Extension-of-Mental-Health-Virtual-Prescribing-Flexibilities.aspxAHCA/NCAL and 330 Other Organizations Urge for Extension of Mental Health Virtual Prescribing Flexibilities9/11/2024 4:00:00 AM<p>​<br></p><div>On September 10, AHCA/NCAL, along with more than 330 provider and consumer organizations, submitted a <a href="https://www.americantelemed.org/ata-news/over-330-stakeholder-organizations-co-signed-letters-to-congress-and-the-white-house-urging-a-two-year-extension-of-virtual-prescribing-flexibilities-for-controlled-substances/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">joint coalition letter</a> to the White House and Congressional leadership, requesting action before the end of the year to extend telehealth flexibilities related to virtual prescribing associated with mental health services. </div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>In the letter to the Biden administration, the coalition requests for the Administration <strong><em>“to work with the DEA and other relevant agencies to extend these prescribing flexibilities for two years while the DEA works to meet its congressional mandate to create a special registration pathway that continues access to care.” </em></strong><br></li><li>In the letter to the U.S. House and U.S. Senate leadership, the coalition requests <em><strong>“that Congress extend these prescribing flexibilities for two years.” </strong></em></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Background </strong></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Congress passed the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act in 2008, which requires the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in conjunction with the Department of Health and Hunman Services (HHS), to promulgate permanent rules to allow practitioners to prescribe certain controlled medications via telehealth through a special registration pathway. As of today, a Final Rule has not yet been issued.  </span><br></div><div><br></div><div>During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), the DEA allowed DEA-registered practitioners to issue prescriptions for certain controlled substances to patients via telemedicine without requiring an in-person medical evaluation. These flexibilities, which were extended through December 31, 2024, have been a lifeline for countless individuals across the country, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential mental health care, substance use treatment, end-of-life care, and many other crucial treatments.  </div><div><br></div><div>Currently, access to in-person care during a mental health crisis is challenged due to the widespread mental health provider shortage across medical professions and specialties. The current virtual prescribing flexibility has been essential in ensuring that patients receive timely and necessary care.  </div><div><br></div><div><strong>What is at stake?  </strong></div><div>For AHCA/NCAL and the residents they represent, <strong>this issue is about safeguarding access to high-quality mental health care for some of the most vulnerable individuals.</strong> Without the requested telehealth prescribing flexibilities for mental health services extension, the future availability of crucial services, particularly for individuals in AHCA/NCAL member communities in rural and underserved locations is at serious risk.  ​<br></div><p>​</p>On September 10, AHCA/NCAL, along with more than 330 provider and consumer organizations, submitted a joint coalition letter to the White House and Congressional leadership requesting action.
AHCA/NCAL Encourages Long Term Care Community to #GetVaccinatedhttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCA-NCAL-Encourages-Long-Term-Care-Community-to-GetVaccinated.aspxAHCA/NCAL Encourages Long Term Care Community to #GetVaccinated9/11/2024 4:00:00 AM<div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>​WASHINGTON, D.C.</strong></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong> –</strong> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">representing</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> more than 14,000 nursing homes and </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">long term</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, announced its </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">2024-2025 #GetVaccinated </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">toolkit for providers in preparation for the respiratory virus season this fall and winter. Additionally, AHCA/NCAL is partnering</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">’</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> (HHS)</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> new national campaign—</span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Risk Less. Do </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">More.</span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">—</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">to raise awareness of the latest vaccines for influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“Long term care providers are committed to doing everything they can to encourage residents and staff to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated,” </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong>said Mark Parkinson, </strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong>president</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong> and CEO, AHCA/NCAL</strong></span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">. “</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Every fall and winter respiratory virus season </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">brings</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> a renewed focus on the importance of getting our residents and caregivers immunized. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Our #GetVaccinated </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">resources</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> and new partnership with </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">HHS’ </span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Risk Less. Do More</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">.</span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">c</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">ampaign </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">reinforces</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> the </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">long term</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> care sector’s commitment to vaccination efforts and all that we are doing to protect our residents’ health and wellbeing.” </span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><br></span></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">The campaign complements proactive measures already being undertaken by long term care providers by offering new resources to encourage residents</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> and</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> caregivers to stay up to date with their immunizations.</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> The campaign’s website, GetVaccinated.us, has tools and information to promote vaccination</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">s </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">this fall and winter. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Resources include:</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> <br><br></span></div><div><ul><li><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">​A checklist for providers with suggested best practices </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">in order to</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;"> prepare for fall and winter vaccination </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">season;</span></li><li><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Fact sheets for residents, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">families</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> and </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">staff;</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></li><li>In-depth resources for providers about <span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">vaccine administration</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">,</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;"> reimbursement policies,</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;"> documenting vaccines, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">frequently</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;"> asked questions, and more.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> <br><br></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:11pt;">​“Since the </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">U.S. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">F</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">ood and </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">D</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">rug </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">A</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">dministration (FDA)</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;"> recently approved the updated COVID vaccines</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">, long term care providers are working with their </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">long term</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;"> care pharmacies to order vaccine</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;">s</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="font-size:11pt;"> and schedule clinics,” </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong>added</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong>David Gifford, M</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong>.</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong>D</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong>.</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong>, M.P</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong>.</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong>H</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong>.</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong>, chief medical officer, </strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong>AHCA/NCAL</strong></span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">. “</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">To increase confidence in and uptake of vaccines, public health officials and health care providers across all settings must work together, which is why </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">we’re</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> proud to </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">partner with HHS on the </span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">Risk Less. Do More.</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">c</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">ampaign. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">We encourage nursing home </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">and other long term care </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">providers to use the resource</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">s</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> available to continue their proactive vaccination efforts.”</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><br></p></div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Flu, COVID-19, and RSV continue to take a toll across the United States. Without immunization, the risk of serious illness </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">remains</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> highest among adults ages 65 and older, residents of </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">long term</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> care facilities, pregnant people, and those living in rural areas. </span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“HHS is proud to partner with AHCA/NCAL. The activities and events we will be collaborating on will help the campaign reach people across the country,” </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>said May Malik, deputy assistant secretary for Public Affairs for Public Education at HHS</strong></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><strong>.</strong> “As we know, vaccines are our best defense against flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Our goal with this partnership is to provide </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">accurate</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> and </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">timely</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> information so that the American people can make informed decisions about getting vaccinated this fall and winter.”</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"><br></span></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Through #GetVaccinated and other education efforts, COVID</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">-19</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> vaccination rates among nursing home residents have been comparable to older adults in the general population. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">AHCA/NCAL and its members a</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">re committed </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">to </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">continuous education about the importance of the vaccines</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">.</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">The #GetVaccinated </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">c</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">ampaign is also supported by Moderna</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">, which will help in the development of campaign materials and promotion to long term care professionals on social media</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">.</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">Please visit </span><a href="https://getvaccinated.us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">GetVaccinated.us</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> to ex</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">plore</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> AHCA/NCAL’s #GetVaccinated resources</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">Please visit </span><a href="https://www.hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">RiskLessDoMore.hhs.gov</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"> for more information on the </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">Risk Less. Do More.</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> campaign</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">. </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> </span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">Note: AHCA/NCAL does not endorse a specific vaccine or vaccine maker unless there is demonstrable evidence it is more effective at protecting residents and staff members.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></div>AHCA/NCAL announced its 2024-2025 #GetVaccinated toolkit for providers in preparation for the respiratory virus season this fall and winter and is partnering with HHS on a new national campaign.Nation’s largest association representing nursing homes, assisted living communities joins HHS in new national public health campaign

​Guidance & Resources

​By Source


 AHCA/NCAL
Guidance
Emergency Preparedness
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.
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    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

 Notifications & Reporting Cases
NHSN Reporting
Resources
Regulatory Requirements

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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

 Testing
Regulatory Requirements
Rapid Point-of-Care Antigen Tests

 Training Programs

 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

 Workforce
OSHA
General Resources
Emotional PPE Project

 Contacts
Provider/General​ Inquires

COVID19@ahca.org 

Press Inquires

ahcapressoffice@ahca.org 

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