COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus Update 9-4-2020

LEADINGAGE KANSAS

Thanks for Joining Us on Our Weekly Webinar Today
Did you miss the call? Here is a link to listen to the recording. Here is the handout with links. Make sure you re-register for the webinars. Here is the link to register and we look forward to seeing you all next week.

FEDERAL

• CMS published the new testing Interim Rule on September 2nd – IN EFFECT NOW.
• Guidance on testing:  QSO-20-38-NH.
• Guidance on CLIA reporting: QSO-20-37-CLIA,NH.
• CMS is accepting comments on the new rule until November 2, 2020. You can submit comments here.
• CMS released new COVID-19 training for nursing home management and frontline staff. It’s available now on the CMS Quality, Safety & Education portal.
• Provider Relief Funds Application Opens to Private Pay Assisted Living. Applications due by September 13^th .
• National Academies Report Outlines Draft Priorities for COVID-19 Vaccine. 
• HUD Announces Service Coordinator COVID-19 Payments.

STATE

SPARK Funding
Nursing home SPARK funding is now ready for distribution by KDADS. Before receiving funds, each facility must sign and submit and attestation form. KDADS has also posted a list of the amount each home is to receive on their COVID-19 website       

•  Attestation form       
•  Allocation list
•  Formula used
• SPARK funding for state-licensed only facilities has been requested by KDADS to help pay for PPE. Their request would provide $225/staff person for 2.5 months.

Don’t Forget! KDHE & KDADS Webinar on COVID-19 on Sept. 8th at 11 AM
Here is the link to join the webinar. There is no registration. The Webinar will cover important KDHE webinar and discussion for LTC providers on the COVID-19 pandemic, discuss LTC specific concerns and guidance, and answer questions from stakeholders. (Questions about KDHE and KDADS requirements on testing in light of the new CMS testing requirement will be fielded.) If you send us your questions for KDHE or KDADS ahead of the webinar, we will forward them on to be addresses at the webinar. Send to Debra@leadingagekansas.org.

List of testing sites:

• Map of COVID-19 Testing Sites Throughout the State.
• List of Labs for COVID-19 Testing.

LEADINGAGE NATIONAL UPDATE

• Updated tool: Infection Control – COVID 19 Tool and Checklist for the COVID-19 Survey.
• LeadingAge Need to Know for 9-4-2020.
• Coronovirus Policy Update 9-2-2020.
• View the Latest Info, News, and Tools from LeadingAge.