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.”
National CMS/CDC Nursing Home COVID-19 Training: Establishing an Infection Prevention Program in a Nursing Home, With an Emphasis on COVID-19 – July 16, 2020 This Webinar is also pertinent to Assisted Living. Topic: Establishing an Infection Prevention Program in a Nursing Home, With an Emphasis on COVID-19 Date: Thursday, July 16, 2020 Time: 4:00 – 5:00 … [Read more]
AHCA/NCAL Asks Governors To Take Action Before Additional Outbreaks Of COVID-19 Affect LTC AHCA/NCAL Asks Governors To Take Action Before Additional Outbreaks Of COVID-19 Affect LTC Provider Magazine (7/14, Connole, 151K) reports, “The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) on Tuesday asked the nation’s governors to take ‘urgent action’ before the imminent … [Read more]
MED-PASS Offers Source Control Products! Masks, Face Shields, Thermometers, etc Item # IP-MEDMASK Medical Grade 3 Layer Mask Price $42.95 per carton of 50 Proper use of face coverings is vital for all direct-care workers, and recommended by the CDC for all others. These high-quality disposable masks are comfortable yet protective. Features include: Rated … [Read more]
WEBINAR: Self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic Self-Care: Intentionally Improving Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 3:00 p.m. ET Often discussed and infrequently practiced, self-care is critically important during the profound and protracted COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the understandable and normal waves of anxiety, depression, and stress that many feel during this uncertain … [Read more]
Stories you may have missed last week THE WEEK IN REVIEW – JULY 10, 2020 Measles vaccine could protect workers from worst of COVID-19, argue scientists Employee spread — not controversial admission policy — was driver behind COVID-19 deaths, report finds Feds should probe states’ ‘concerning’ nursing home policies during pandemic Nursing home lessons from … [Read more]