Laminet COVID-19 Updates – April 04 2020
Laminet is joining the fight against COVID-19- face masks http://www.alnursing.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Face-Shield-Flyer-1.pdf
COVID-19
CLIA WAIVERS
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.
AHCA, NCAL Applaud CDC, FDA for Approving Booster Shots for Long Term Care Residents, Workers
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.”
CMS.gov COVID-19 Updates – April 03 2020
Dear AALNA Member, Although these surveys are conducted by CMS in skilled facilities the findings apply to anyone using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) regardless of the setting. If you are utilizing PPE in your AL community you must be sure your staff knows how to properly put it on (DON), take it off (DOFF), store for … [Read more]
New Jersey COVID-19 Updates – March 30 2020
Please see the enclosed information from NJDOH – Communicable Disease Service. https://files.constantcontact.com/e1419ee3001/6e2d1492-7615-4e39-a5e2- Please see the enclosed information from NJDOH – Communicable Disease Service. KEY POINTS: * SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is currently circulating in New Jersey and the surrounding areas with many healthcare facilities, including the post-acute care setting, being HEAVILY IMPACTED. • RAPID ACTION IS NEEDED … [Read more]
Health Alert Network (HAN) COVID-19 Updates – March 27 2020
CDC issued the following Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory on March 28, 2020. You are receiving this information because you subscribe to Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) email updates. If a colleague forwarded this email to you, but you would like to receive these emails directly, click here. If you have any questions, please e-mail coca@cdc.gov Please … [Read more]
Provider Daily COVID-19 Updates – March 26 2020
March 26 2020 Top Stories LT/PAC Providers Applaud Recent Court Decision Finding Observation Stay Status May Be Appealed To Medicare Program Provider Magazine (3/25, Connole, 151K) reports “long term and post-acute care (LT/PAC) providers are applauding a decision issued on March 24 by Judge Michael Shea of the U.S. District Court in Hartford, Conn., that said certain … [Read more]