May 9th COVID-19 Update
New COVID-19-related updates for providers of long-term/post-acute care (LTPAC) and senior services continue to be shared on a regular basis by both state and federal authorities. The latest developments are discussed below.
As a reminder, LeadingAge NY continues to convene weekly webinars on Mondays at 11 a.m. to address emerging questions on COVID-19. A recording of our most recent webinar, held on May 8th, is available here, and a list of the items shared by LeadingAge NY staff in the webinar chat can be accessed here. If you have questions for next week’s update or would like the access information, please contact Jeff Diamond.
Cross-Sector Updates
Federal Infection Prevention and Nursing Home Visitation Guidance Updated as End of PHE Nears
With the end of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) approaching on May 11th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its COVID-19 infection prevention guidance applicable to all health care settings, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated its nursing home visitation guidance. Both guidance documents contain a few key changes, but continue many of the same infection prevention measures set forth in prior versions. CMS has also retired its nursing home testing guidance, but cautions nursing homes that it will continue to require testing for COVID-19 in accordance with CDC recommendations as part of routine infection prevention and control activities. Click here for more information.
Health Care Coverage During the Unwind
The NY Health Foundation is sponsoring a webinar on the resumption of Medicaid eligibility recertifications with a focus on the collective action needed to make sure that individuals do not experience health coverage interruptions during the COVID-19 unwind. The session will highlight the enrollment needs across the state as well as strategies, tools, and information to reach New Yorkers who must take action to renew their insurance. The panel of speakers will include:
- Danielle Holahan, Executive Director, NY State of Health Marketplace;
- Marci Goldstein, Director of Communications, NY State of Health Marketplace, NYS Office of Health Insurance Programs;
- Sara Santini, Program Specialist Contract Coordinator, Community Service Society of NY; and
- Juan Carlos Grajeda, Bilingual Program Manager, Emerald Isle Immigration Center.
The session is scheduled for Wed., May 10th at 2 p.m. Registration is available here.
Nursing Home Updates
Don’t Miss Training on Upcoming NHSN Reporting Changes
Nursing homes have a choice of two dates to learn about upcoming changes to weekly COVID-19 reporting done through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). The CDC is expected to update the modules and streamline some of the mandatory reporting starting in June. The Therapeutics pathway will be eliminated, and several questions will be removed from the remaining Surveillance Module pathways. An educational session to review these upcoming changes will be provided on Thurs., June 1st at 2 p.m. (register here) and again on Wed., June 7th at 1 p.m. (register here). Both sessions will provide the same content. Click here for more information.