FEDERAL UPDATES

New Guidance on the New Testing Rule
CMS released the guidance on Wednesday on the new interim final rule for nursing homes. The guidance relies heavily on CDC guidance, so certain parts of implementation will not be too much of a stretch from what nursing homes are already doing. For example, CDC Testing Guidelines for Nursing Homes, Return-to-Work Criteria for Healthcare Personnel, and Discontinuation of Transmission-Based Precautions. Of course, the biggest requirement, testing staff according to county prevalence, will be challenging. This will include:

  • Monthly testing in counties with less than 5% positivity
  • Weekly testing in counties with 5-10% positivity
  • Bi-weekly testing in counties with greater than 10% positivity
  • Positivity rates should be monitored every other week here.
  • Nursing homes have the flexibility to choose if testing is conducted via point-of-care antigen tests or nucleic tests processed in an off-site lab (PCR testing), provided test results are returned within 48 hours.
  • The guidance also spells out how to respond to residents and staff who refuse testing, and exactly what documentation is required for a multitude of circumstances (outbreaks, symptoms, testing residents, testing staff, refusals, lack of access to testing, etc.).

When does the new rule go into effect? 
The rule will be published on September 2 and the effective date is immediately upon publication. CMS has not said anything about delayed implementation.

Other federal updates

STATE UPDATES

State Establishes Essential Worker Relief Fund

Governor Kelly, along with multiple state agencies, announced today a collaborative effort to allocate $8 million in federal CARES Act funds to cover health care expenses for essential workers who contracted COVID-19. In order to be considered, individuals must have a COVID-19 positive diagnosis and verify essential worker status.  Assistance will be limited to qualifying medical expense payout of $25,000 for uninsured individuals (no health care coverage) and $15,000 for insured individuals (coinsurance/copays and deductibles). Go to the application portal. LeadingAge Kansas encourages members to publicize the fund with workers and let them know that the total dollars available are limited, so they should apply sooner rather than later.  Read Governor Kelly’s press release.

State Cares Act Funds for Nursing Homes 
Read the latest information.  Stay tuned for details on where state CARES Act funds are for HCBS and PACE. 

Update on State CARES Act Funds for HCBS and PACE Providers.  Each type of provider will receive an equivalent 5% increase in funding using the state CARES Act monies to be used prior to December 30, 2020 for COVID-19 purposes. Details of Attestation form and method for distribution pending. KDADS plans to send these funds by the end of Septmber.

Yes, Nurses Licensed in Other States are Permitted to Practice in Kansas…With Some Parameters
HB 2016 (passed in June by the Kansas Legislature and signed by the Governor) that a nurse licensed and in good standing in another state may practice as a nurse in the state of Kansas when the nurse is supporting a healthcare facility’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This expires on 1/26/2021.  There is nothing this nurse would need to do with the Kansas Board of Nursing.  It is the responsibility of the employer to verify the nurse has a nursing license in good standing from another state.  Questions? Email Carol Moreland carol.moreland@ks.gov at the Board of Nursing.

Webinar on Hospital/Post-Acute Care Regional COVID-19 Planning Project Set for Sept 3 at 1 PM
Breaking Barriers – Transitioning to Post-Acute Care During COVID-19 and Beyond is open for registration on a first come, first served basis.  The webinar will be recorded and made available through LeadingAge Kansas, Kansas Health Care Association, KACE and KHA. REGISTER TODAY. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Also, please take this survey https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5803639/Breaking-Barriers-Transitioning-to-Post-Acute-Care-During-Covid-19-and-Beyond to provide your initial input to help inform your Regional Planning Project.

LEADINGAGE KANSAS UPDATE

Results from Quick Membership Survey Regarding Testing

Thanks to those who took the survey to give us a snapshot on where you stand on this issue. If you haven’t had a chance to weigh in, please do so here.

LeadingAge Kansas Board Votes to Oppose New CMS Staff Testing Rule
The LeadingAge Kansas Board met today for an in-depth discussion on this issue. LeadingAge CEO Katie Sloan was on hand to listen and learn from the conversation and answer questions. The Board voted to oppose this new CMS staff testing rule. Staff will develop advocacy tactics and talking points and then deploy our grassroots advocates to respond to CMS during the comment period. Additional tactics will be developed and provided to members for action soon.

There Was No Weekly Webinar Today – Make Sure to Register for Next Week
We have come to the end of our August Weekly webinar series. Thanks to all who have joined us. If you missed any, here is a link to our archives.

As we move into the rest of the year, you will need to re-register for the webinars. Here is the link to register and we look forward to seeing you all next week.

LEADINGAGE NATIONAL UPDATE

RESOURCES

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Nicole Schings
Nicole Schings is the Director of Member Services and Business Development. Nicole joined the association in 2018, and oversees our Member Services program, our Partnership and Associate Member relationships, and our online education system. A graduate of Washburn University, Nicole uses her 22 years of experience in the association world to enhance the support of our members, problem solve their issues and bring new partners into the LeadingAge Kansas family. Outside of work, Nicole is passionate about geocaching and moments spent with her dog, Blu. You can reach Nicole directly at 785.670.8048.

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