STATE NEWS
Kansas State of Emergency Ended Tuesday June 15th
Despite a request from Governor Kelly to extend it through July, state legislative leaders decided to let the state’s emergency order expire at midnight on Tuesday, June 15th. All executive orders related to the COVID-19 emergency order also expired. We already expected the use of temporary nurse aides to end, but somewhat less expected was the end of required surveillance testing in state-licensed only facilities. On their weekly partner update on Thursday, KDHE leaders confirmed that expiration of the state emergency order will not have an effect on the COVID-19 testing program. Their goal is for nothing to change for providers, and that everyone will still have access to all supplies and programs they had while the emergency order was in place.
If you haven’t yet, please make sure to read through the updated KDADS testing guidance. KDADS intent is to match the CMS testing requirements, if you see any discrepancies please notify Rachel@leadingagekansas.org immediately.
JUST IN – State Licensed Only Testing Requirement Will Continue
Word is that Secretary Norman is releasing a public health order today that would continue the testing requirement for state licensed facilities. The criteria are said to match the CMS requirements for testing during outbreaks and for routine testing. The frequency is said to still based on county positivity. There will be a press release from the Governor’s office announcing the order later today.
- County-Specific COVID-19 Cases in Kansas Thus Far
- For More About COVID Cases in Kansas, Clusters, Variants, County Positivity Rates
SPARK Audits Begin This Week
On our Tuesday morning call, KDADS informed us that they have chosen 15 nursing homes and 5 HCBS providers for an audit on use of SPARK funds. Audit responses were due this week. Let us know if you were one of the audited, and what the experience has been so far.
Make Sure You Check Your New July 1st Medicaid Rate
New Medicaid rates go into effect on July 1st. If you have not seen your rate, or just want to see rates of any other nursing homes in the state, you can view them here. Questions about your rate? Email Georgianna.correll@ks.gov or Bob.Dick@blandcpa.com
FEDERAL NEWS
Provider Relief Fund Updates from June 15 Stakeholder call and Updated FAQs
LeadingAge National has posted a second article in a series of articles breaking down and analyzing the new June 11 PRF reporting requirements, as we get additional clarification from HRSA. A future article will look more closely at the issue of how lost revenues will be calculated under the new guidance, what documentation will be required, and the importance of a new term, “period of availability” for reporting.
OSHA to Host Townhall Meeting
So much has happened recently in the workplace safety arena. Make plans to attend the up-coming OSHA townhall session. It will be June 23rd at 1:00 PM Central and will be hosted by Acting Chief Jim Fredrick. This townhall is an opportunity to share concerns, hear the concerns of others and share collective priorities. It is free to attend. Register here.
LEADINGAGE KANSAS NEWS
Miss Today’s Webinar? Listen for the Latest Updates
Here is the recording. Here are the handouts. Make plans to join us each Friday at 10 AM. Register here.
VACCINATION NEWS
COVID-19 Nursing Home Vaccination Data Released by CMS
CMS released updated data of nursing home facility vaccination rates in an effort to “monitor and support the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines amongst nursing home residents and staff.” Facilities with 75% or more completed vaccinations for staff are listed.
Highlights of new KHI report on COVID-19 Vaccine Intent Among Kansas Adults
- The percentage of Kansas adults who were “undecided” decreased by more than half between January (38.2 percent) and the end of April (14.6 percent).
- The percentage of Kansans who reported they “would definitely not get a vaccine” has remained consistent, at fewer than one in 10 Kansas adults (7.9 to 8.3 percent) since January 2021.
- Top reasons for Kansas adults who were undecided: 1) 66% concern about possible side effects, 2) 60.2% planning to wait and see if it is safe, and 3) 46.9% believe other people need it more right now.
- Other than concern about possible side effects (61.6 percent), Kansas adults who would “definitely not get a vaccine” 42.3 said they do not trust the government and 31.9% said they do not trust the vaccines.
VARIANTS
RESOURCES
Evaluating and Caring for Patients with Post-COVID Conditions
CDC released interim guidance with information on evaluating and caring for patients with post-COVID-19 symptoms and medical conditions. “Post-COVID Conditions” is an umbrella term for the wide range of physical and mental health consequences experienced by some patients that are present four or more weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection, including by patients who had initial mild or asymptomatic acute infection. General follow-up is recommended within 1-2 weeks of hospital discharge. Based on current information, many post-COVID conditions can be managed by primary care providers, with the incorporation of patient-centered approaches to optimize the quality of life and function in affected patients, taking into account patient history. Understanding of post-COVID conditions remains incomplete and guidance for healthcare professionals will likely change over time as the evidence evolves. CDC also released relevant information on assessment and testing, future directions and resources, and further public health recommendations.
