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.”
Animal Farm Foundation Launches Pets Together Program -Response to COVID-19 crisis designed to ease social isolation in Assisted Living Communities Bangall, NY April 9, 2020: Animal Farm Foundation has announced the launch of Pets Together, a free virtual pet visit program that allows those who are socially isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic to enjoy friendly interaction with pets (including … [Read more]
Please see the enclosed important information related to COVID-19 response from the State of New Jersey Department of Health. 4-15-20 Waiver Nurse Aide Competency https://files.constantcontact.com/e1419ee3001/8ed89591-11ea-4ff2-bf1d-5cdb66fc7fef.pdf 4-15-20 Waiver Certified Medication Aides https://files.constantcontact.com/e1419ee3001/b2e38b9f-2286-4d37-afea-559b1a50fa4b.pdf J. David Weidner, MPH, REHS, MEP, CEM, CHEP Director, Emergency Management
EPI UPDATE The WHO COVID-19 Situation Report for April 21 reports 2.4 million confirmed cases (83,007 new) and 162,956 deaths (5,109 new). Spain and Italy both reported slight increases in daily incidence. However, Italy reported its second consecutive day of decreasing active cases, down from 108,257 on April 19 to 107,709 today. Additional data over the coming days will help … [Read more]
Access to NIH COVID-19 Resources Click Here to access NIH Resources
New COVID-19 Clinical Guidelines, including the following: New COVID-19 Clinical Guidelines, including the following: COVID-19 Ventilation Guidelines › Airway Management Recommendations › ASA Recommendations for Procedures › OSHA Guidance on Preparing the Workplace for COVID-19 › FDA Enforcement Policy for Sterilizers, Disinfectant Devices, and Air Purifiers › Breast Cancer Triage for Patients With COVID-19 › … [Read more]