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News related to "covid-19"
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Providers Call for More COVID-19 Relief Federal Funding for Assisted Living
On May 26, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
As the federal government continues to provide funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, senior living providers continue to express concerns that the support leaves assisted living, memory care and independent living behind.
DHS Posts Form to Request Waiver of SNSA Maximum Charges
On May 26, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
There is a new process for waiving maximum charge limits for Supplemental Nursing Service Agencies (SNSAs) when they are providing staff to work in Medicaid-certified nursing facilities that serve residents with COVID-19.
CMS Waivers Include Nursing Home Life Safety Provisions; New FAQ Available
On May 26, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The most-recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) update to COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers (see pp. 25-27) includes waivers of a few life safety code provisions that may reduce disruption of patient care and potential exposure/transmission of COVID-19. In all cases, it will be important to consider these waivers in the context of your existing life safety policies, procedures and plans.
MDH Announces Nearly $100 Million in Emergency Response Funding
On May 26, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) posted a list of awards of emergency response grant recipients who received almost $100 million in state funds to prepare for and respond to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Resource Round-Up: Testing; New COVID-19 Case Management Model
On May 26, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
This week’s COVID-19 Resource Round-Up features a new training video on specimen collection, an updated FAQ on testing and a link to the new process MDH is using for COVID-19 case management.
New COVID-19 Resources
On May 19, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
In this week’s COVID-19 Resource Round-Up, we share new materials on guidance on compassionate care visits, resident transfers, recommendations for admissions, and employment law FAQS related to PPE and workplace accommodations.
Protecting Mental Health & Wellbeing During COVID-19
On May 19, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The impact of the coronavirus goes beyond physical health. The mental health and wellbeing of residents, clients, leadership, and staff are also at risk. We are sharing free, on-demand, short-form learning opportunities to help you address these aspects of this pandemic.
New CMS Toolkit Helps Advance Telehealth
On May 19, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
In response to the COVID-19, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expanded access to telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries and nursing home residents. A new toolkit from CMS can help states identify which aspects of their statutory and regulatory infrastructure may impede the rapid deployment of telehealth capabilities in their Medicaid program.
DHS Releases Bulletin on Add-On Payments for Customized Living
On May 19, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) this week released a bulletin that describes the process for providing add-on payments to customized living providers who have confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving residents or staff.
Resource Roundup: Sample Checklist and Policies
On May 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
This week’s Resource Round-Up is all about sample policies and survey checklists.
Now Available: COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfecting Webinar Recording & Handouts
On May 12, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
As reported last week, HUD and the CDC delivered presentations on their interim guidance on facility cleaning and disinfecting for COVID-19. The recorded webinar and handouts, which are helpful to any housing setting and staff, is now available.
President Trump Calls for Testing of All Nursing Home Residents and Staff
On May 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
President Trump yesterday called upon states to universally test all nursing home residents and staff within the next two weeks. The announcement, however, did not provide details or support for how states would complete this widespread testing.
Rate Increase for Elderly Waiver
On May 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced the imminent launch of a new program to pay enhanced rates to Customized Living providers who have a confirmed case of COVID-19 (residents or staff) in their setting.
Walz Announces 5-Point Battle Plan
On May 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Governor Walz last week announced a 5-Point Battle Plan to Protect the Most Vulnerable, which is targeted at seniors and their caregivers in nursing homes and assisted living.
Alzheimer’s Association Offers Project ECHO Series on Emergency Preparedness
On May 12, 2020 by Lori Meyer
In response to COVID-19, the Alzheimer’s Association has developed a special topic Project ECHO series based on their guidance Emergency Preparedness: Caring for persons living with dementia in a long-term or community-based care setting.
Finding Hope – May 7 Webinar Explores Role of Spirituality in Building Resilience
On May 5, 2020 by Heidi Simpson
Join our free webinar, Finding Hope in the Time of COVID-19 – Building Resilience Through Spirituality, on May 7 and explore the role of spirituality in building resilience.
Take Action: Contract Congress for Affordable Senior Housing Relief
On May 5, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
Congress is working on its next COVID-19 funding package and now is the time to raise our voices to support affordable senior housing. Join us to urge Congress to provide funding and support for affordable senior housing, including a $1.012 billion package of relief funds for affordable senior housing:
HUD COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfecting Webinar
On May 5, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The U.S. Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) this week delivered presentations on their interim guidance on facility cleaning and disinfecting for COVID-19.
State Budget Update Shows Huge Deficit Due to COVID-19 Impact
On May 5, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The State of Minnesota yesterday released an unusual budget update to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state budget. As anticipated, the economic slowdown tied to the COVID-19 response is projected to have an enormous impact with the state now anticipating a deficit of $2.4 billion for the biennium.
CMS Asks Stratis Health to Provide Targeted COVID-19 Infection Control Assistance
On May 5, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
During its April 22 COVID-19 call, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) noted that Stratis Health would be working with selected nursing homes to assess COVID-19 readiness – as a supplement to the infection control focused surveys MDH is doing around the state.