It has come to our attention that many assisted living/senior living communities are doing their own COVID-19 testing on staff and residents. Please be aware in order to administer these tests you MUST apply for and obtain a CLIA WAIVER. A template for CLIA WAIVER policy and procedure is attached as are the required application forms. You may add that anyone performing the point of care tests should be skill validated for the specific device that will be used, with return demonstration, and the documentation for that training placed in their employee file.
It is advised you check with your company or corporate office before submitting the attached application.
Although it is a federal form (CMS116) the states process the forms and some have additional requirements. Check with the state agency listed in the attachment to ascertain what else you might need.
You should estimate around 6-12 weeks for processing.
If you have any questions PLEASE use the contact form on alnursing.org to contact a board member.
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) released the following statement in response to the recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve booster shots of the Moderna and Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) COVID-19 vaccines for certain individuals, including residents and health care workers in long term care.
The following statement is attributable to David Gifford, MD, chief medical officer of AHCA/NCAL:
“Once again, we appreciate the FDA and CDC for thoroughly examining the data and following the science to help protect Americans, including our nation’s most vulnerable, from COVID-19. All long term care residents and staff members will now be eligible to receive a booster shot thanks to these expanded recommendations.
“Additionally, the ability to mix-and-match vaccines for the booster dose will make it easier for long term care facilities to swiftly access these vaccines for their residents and staff.
“The rollout of the Pfizer booster shot has gone incredibly well in long term care, and we are confident that adding Moderna and Johnson and Johnson into the mix will catapult our efforts. We appreciate the partnership of federal and state governments, as well as long term care pharmacies and other vaccine providers, to make these vaccination efforts in nursing homes and assisted living communities efficient and successful.”
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CALL TO ALL CARE SETTINGS: 9/17/2020 from 2 PM to 3 PM ET-Testing and Treatment of 2020-2021 Seasonal Influenza During the COVID-19 Pandemic Testing and Treatment of 2020-2021 Seasonal Influenza During the COVID-19 Pandemic You may participate in this COCA Call via Zoom Overview Influenza surveillance data reported to the World Health Organization’s FluNet platform … [Read more]
Influenza Prevention- PLEASE DO NOT OVERLOOK VACCINATIONS against flu because of involvement with COVID-19 AHCA/NCAL NEWS Expert Highlights Areas Of Focus For Influenza Prevention, Control In a piece for Provider Magazine (9/1, 151K), Denise Winzeler, RN-BSN, LNHA, DNS-CT, QCP, curriculum development specialist for the American Association of Directors of Nursing Services (AADNS), wrote, “Unfortunately, in addition to … [Read more]
McKnight’s CE-Approved Fall Online Expo- COVID It’s time for the McKnight’s Long-Term Care Fall Online Expo! Join us on September 17th, 2020 10:30am to 4:30pm ET Earn up to 3 FREE continuing education credits by attending our FREE informative and interactive webinars lead by national industry experts Visit virtual booths of leading industry vendors and … [Read more]