Published on June 4, 2020
Articles in this issue:
Author: Lisa Volk and Stephen Hanse* Published in Clinical & Quality
Facility level data from CMS and CDC concerning COVID-19 cases in skilled nursing facilities was released today and is publicly available on the Nursing Home Compare website at https://www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html.
Please see CMS’ bulletin below:
Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is posting the first set of underlying coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) nursing home data. On April 19, 2020, CMS announced the requirement that nursing homes to inform residents, their families, and their representatives of COVID-19 cases in their facilities. In addition to this, nursing homes are required to report COVID-19 cases and deaths directly to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and today CMS is making this data publicly available. As part of today’s announcement CMS is also posting the results from the targeted inspections announced on March 4, 2020, to allow inspectors to focus on the most serious health and safety threats like infectious diseases and abuse during the pandemic. This is part of the Trump Administration’s historic transparency efforts to ensure residents, families and the general public have information about COVID-19 in nursing homes.
NYSHFA/NYSCAL CONTACTS:
Lisa Volk, RN, B.P.S., LNHA
Director, Clinical & Quality Services
518-462-4800 x15
Stephen B. Hanse, Esq.
President & CEO
518-462-4800 x11
Author: Lisa Volk and Jackie Pappalardi* Published in Clinical & Quality
CMS Memo released today: QSO-20-32-NH (PDF)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is committed to taking critical steps to ensure America’s nursing homes are prepared to respond to the threat caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. • Nursing Home COVID-19 Information: CMS will post COVID-19 data submitted by facilities via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). The information will be posted on June 4th, 2020 at the following locations: • A link to the information in the “Spotlight” section of the Nursing Home Compare home page. • The information will also be available at https://data.cms.gov/Covid19-nursing-home-data
NYSHFA/NYSCAL CONTACTS:
Lisa Volk, RN, B.P.S., LNHA
Director, Clinical & Quality Services
518-462-4800 x15
Jackie Pappalardi, RN, BSN
Executive Director
518-462-4800 x16
Author: Joanne O'Connor
Over the past few months, long term care facilities have been faced with extreme challenges and difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of our current state of affairs, now, more than ever, is the time to recognize the extraordinary staff and volunteers who have shown courage even in the midst of COVID-19 and who continue to do the right thing in the right way.
The AHCA Awards Program has been revamped to recognize people in different roles within skilled nursing, and still honors individuals who are committed to improving the quality of life for residents. Categories include:
Nomination packets and guidelines are available on AHCA's website now.
The Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award recognizes an individual who has made significant national contributions in advancing quality performance in long term and/or post-acute care in skilled nursing or assisted living settings. Nominations must be submitted online here.
The Jan Thayer Pioneer Award recognizes an individual who has moved the senior care profession forward, positively affecting the lives of those served and those who serve. Recipients must demonstrate dedication, leadership and considerable contributions to the senior care profession. Nominations can be submitted online here.
The NCAL Awards Program identifies assisted living employees from around the country who demonstrate exemplary work within the profession. This program gives awards in four categories:
Read the full Rules & Guidelines for the 2020 NCAL Awards Program and submit a nomination online at www.ncal.org/awards.
Nominations for all AHCA/NCAL Awards programs must be submitted no later than Friday, July 10, 2020.
Author: Lisa Volk and Jackie Pappalardi* Published in Clinical & Quality
Below is CMS’ mlnconnects publication for Thursday, June 4, 2020:
NYSHFA/NYSCAL CONTACTS:
Lisa Volk, RN, B.P.S., LNHA
Director, Clinical & Quality Services
518-462-4800 x15
Jackie Pappalardi, RN, BSN
Executive Director
518-462-4800 x16