According to a new national survey, a vast majority of U.S. voters believe long term care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living communities, need more support from the government and the lack of support thus far has negatively impacted their ability to protect seniors.
By a three-to-one margin, voters say that nursing homes and assisted living communities need more money for personal protective equipment (PPE), staff, and increased testing capabilities.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Knowing whether a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplier is reliable is challenging these days with all the pop-up PPE suppliers and PPE scams. To assist members, AHCA/NCAL has developed a list of PPE suppliers that have recently served long term care providers. The list is not an endorsement or seal of approval of any particular PPE supplier, but can be used as a resource when PPE is not available through their ordinary supply chains.
This week, the White House recommended to state governors to test all residents and staff in nursing homes across the country within the next two weeks. This is not an order from the federal government and as of May 12 no specific written recommendation has been made. However, we expect to see states develop plans to put these recommendations into place to the extent feasible. Members should review AHCA/NCAL’s testing guidance.
INTEGRITY
The US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released its updated List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE) database file, which reflects all OIG exclusions and reinstatement actions up to, and including, those taken in March 2020. This new file replaces the updated LEIE database file available for download last month.
UPDATES FROM NCAL
Over the past few months, long term care facilities have been faced with extreme challenges and difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.In light of our current state of affairs, now, more than ever, is the time to recognize the extraordinary staff and volunteers who have shown courage even in the midst of COVID-19 and who continue to do the right thing in the right way.
In consideration of the COVID-19 virus, the application deadline has been extended to June 5, 2020. The 2020-2021 election cycle has officially opened for NCAL members in good standing interested in running for the NCAL Board of Directors. The NCAL elections are for three officer positions (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary/Treasurer) and seven At-large Representatives.
PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES
AHCA/NCAL’s new and expanded version of its popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) is now available. The online training is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings, including assisted living. Phase III Requirements of Participation took effect November 28, 2019 and mandate that every nursing facility have a designated and specially trained Infection Preventionist who is running a comprehensive infection prevention and control program.
AHCA/NCAL has the online courses to help administrators, directors, and nurses meet their continuing education (CE) needs. The AHCA/NCAL 2019 Convention Education sessions are available to members and non-members in a package offering 70 online NAB and ANCC (nurses) approved courses. There are more than enough online courses in the package to meet most license requirements.