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.”
MedWatch – The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program A MedWatch Safety Alert was added to the FDA MedWatch webpage. TOPIC: Ivermectin Intended for Animals: Letter to Stakeholders – Do Not Use in Humans as a Treatment for COVID-19 AUDIENCE: Consumer, Health Professional, Pharmacy, Veterinary ISSUE: FDA is concerned about the health of consumers who may self-medicate by taking ivermectin products … [Read more]
April 10 2020 News & Perspectives: COVID-19 Daily: Return-to-Work Guidelines, Tips From Frontline Docs CDC Issues New Return-to-Work Guidelines
April 07 2020 As COVID-19 takes us into uncharted territory, ISMP’s first priority is to help you keep yourself and your patients safe. We have developed an online resource page with links to vital medication safety-related information for frontline healthcare practitioners. COVID-19 RESOURCES Visit the frequently-updated page for articles, webinars, and emerging news useful for … [Read more]
April 6, 2020 Supplies Urgently Needed At Long-Term Care Facilities During COVID-19 Pandemic Provider Magazine (4/3, Connole, 151K) reported “skilled nursing and assisted living communities countrywide continue to need urgent supplies of masks, gowns, and related Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as the physical toll of caring for residents during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic runs unabated, according … [Read more]
April 6, 2020 AMDA continues to monitor the COVID-19 Outbreak, and is now sending a daily digest of resources and information collected over the last day. JAMDA SPECIAL CALL FOR SHORT PAPERS ON COVID-19 SOLUTIONS AND INNOVATIONS Yesterday’s Headlines: New/Updated Guidance Maryland: Order to protect nursing home residents and staff CMS: COVID-19 Long-Term Care Facility Guidance, April 2, 2020 … [Read more]