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.”
TOP STORIES CMS Releases New Waivers on Staffing, Training for ICF/IID Setting Patrick Connole In other developments, AHCA/NCAL reports updates on recent and pending funding allocation and disbursement. Read more here.
[DPW-LICENSED-PROVIDERS-PCH] Online Medication Administration Train-the Trainer Classes Information about the Online Medication Administration Train-the-Trainer classes which will temporarily replace the face-to-face classes may be found on the Medication Administration Program website at the following link: https://medsadmin.myodp.org/cms/. See document entitled “Medication Administration and Face-to-Face Class summary” in the “announcements” section of the page.
New/Updated Guidance NIH COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines News Reports Checklist to Manage Hyperglycemia, DKA in Severe COVID-19 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes First Test for Patient At-Home Sample Collection New U.S. Treatment Guidelines for Covid-19 Don’t See Much Progress What the pandemic teaches us about nursing home care Telehealth Providers Ramp Up Skilled Nursing Rollouts … [Read more]
New COVID-19 Resources guidance for facilities facing PPE and staffing shortages, as well as other challenges in receiving assistance. It is critically important that you raise the alarm and you document your efforts to obtain support. Communication Strategies for Keeping Families Up to Date Updated Steps to Limit COVID-19 Spread and Outbreaks in Long Term Care … [Read more]
