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.”
Antibody Testing Information Regarding Antibody Testing The Division is aware that healthcare practitioners are frequently receiving questions related to COVID-19 antibody testing and are often asked to interpret the results of these tests. Please note that although tests for COVID-19 antibodies have been developed and are being widely administered, data is lacking on the clinical significance of antibody … [Read more]
Regional Response Health Collaboration Program (RRHCP) WEBINAR from July 24 Available Below is a link to the July 24th webinar entitled Regional Response Health Collaboration Program (RRHCP). Please note if you receive an error message, click on the play arrow in the bottom left corner of your screen and the webinar will start. The presentation materials … [Read more]
COVID-19 Knowledge for the Frontline Staff Date: Thursday, July 30, 2020 Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM ET Advance Registration Required: Register here. Note: Once you register, you will receive an email with your individual link to join the webinar. The link you receive will only work for one user. Please forward this email to other team members if … [Read more]
CDC RESOURCES and TOOLKITS July 23, 2020This message includes updates on the COVID-19 response from CDC. The COVID-19 Outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. Guidance Documents CDC’s COVID-19 Guidance documents can be filtered by audience and include topics such as symptoms, testing guidelines, and management of COVID-19 in … [Read more]
MED-PASS Offers Source Control PPE Products! Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Gel Item # IP-17HS Price: $36.00 per carton of 4 Promote hand hygiene with this clear, alcohol-based hand rub. · Contains 75% Ethyl Alcohol · Pump style dispenser · Carton Contains four 17 oz bottles Free Printable ABHR Tips Medical Grade 3 Layer Mask Item # … [Read more]