TESTING
Don’t forget — Testing FAQs On Our COVID-19 Page
We have gathered questions from the membership regarding testing and posted them in the newest section of the COVID information section. It’s simply called “Testing FAQs”. We will post FAQs and add other information in there as it becomes available. If you have questions or suggestions for that page, please let Dana Weaver know.
LEADINGAGE KANSAS
Did You Miss Today’s Webinar?
Here is the link to the webinar. Here is the link to the PowerPoint. Don’t forget to register for next week’s webinar if you haven’t already. Here is the link to register and we look forward to talking to you all next Friday.
FEDERAL
New CMS Guidance on Nursing Home Resident Visitation
On Thursday evening, CMS announced new guidance to nursing homes to further expand resident visitation outside of compassionate care situations. In a nutshell, the new guidance states that facilities may not restrict resident visitation without a reasonable clinical or safety cause. Failure to follow the new visitation guidance could lead to survey deficiencies and CMPs. Read QSO-20-39-NH for more detail and keep an eye out for a summary from LeadingAge national.
CMS Nursing Home Stakeholder Call on Visitation Monday Sept 21st at 1pm
Please join CMS Chief Medical Officer Lee Fleisher, MD and agency officials for a National Stakeholder Call with Nursing Homes to discuss the announcement of resident visitation and the Coronavirus Commission report, Monday, September 21st from 2:00 – 2:30 PM Eastern.
Toll Free Dial-In Number: (833) 614-0820
Conference ID: 7883929
Conference lines are limited, so we encourage you to join via webcast.
Details Announced on $2B Nursing Home Infection Control Incentive Payments
CMS has released additional information on how they will be distributing the remaining $2 billion in CARES Act funding to nursing homes. It will be distributed as incentive payments based upon infection control and COVID-19 outcomes in each nursing home. Read the LeadingAge national article for more details.
STATE
New KDADS FAQ: Long Term Care PPE and Testing Requirements
KDADS posted a new FAQ today answering questions about accessing PPE from a new program they will roll out next week, as well as general statements on the new testing mandate from CMS. Read the FAQ document
Please Provide Feedback on COVID-19 Care Needs in Your Region
Deadline extended to provide input on COVID-19 post-acute care in your region. Provide feedback here. The deadline is 5PM Monday, September 21st. Questions? Contact Kerry McCue, Project Manager, Healthcare Coalition Partners of Kansas.
County CARES Act Spending Reports Are Now Available
The Kansas Office of Recovery has posted county spending reports. View your county’s spending report here. These reports provide an overview of how each county is utilizing the dollars received through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). Earlier this year, the SPARK Executive Committee and State Finance Council approved $400 million total of the CRF to be distributed for counties. The portion counties received was based on their population with some additional dollars being awarded to counties with high numbers of COVID-19 cases or high unemployment rates. Counties were encouraged to collaborate with their cities, schools, health care centers and businesses to invest these dollars to best serve their health and economic recoveries.
Temporary Nurse Aide Training Extended to January, 2021
Governor Kelly extended her executive orders, which includes temporary nurse aides in adult care homes, until January 2021, they will remain in effect as long as the State Finance Council continues to extend the state of emergency declaration.
Learn more and sign people up for the temporary basic aide training here.
Make sure to read the KDADS guidance as well.
