Coronavirus

Visit the AHCA/NCAL Coronavirus website daily for the latest information that we have to share with long term care providers about COVID-19.  As concerns arise with the emerging coronavirus, officially named COVID-19, we are working nationally with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure our long term care communities receive necessary supplies and guidance to prevent the spread of this disease.

COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for ICFs/IID

On April 22, CMS released additional blanket waivers to the healthcare community in order to provide the flexibilities needed to take care of patients during this public health emergency.  Staffing and training modifications in Intermediate Care Facilities for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs/IID) were included in this release.  More waivers are yet to come down the way for ICF/IID providers.  A summary can be found below of what flexibilities are being provided for these providers in the CMS release.   

• Staffing Flexibilities. CMS is waiving the requirements at 42 CFR §483.430(c)(4), which requires the facility to provide sufficient Direct Support Staff (DSS) so that Direct Care Staff (DCS) are not required to perform support services that interfere with direct client care.
• Suspension of Community Outings. CMS is waiving the requirements at 42 CFR §483.420(a)(11) which requires clients have the opportunity to participate in social, religious, and community group activities.
•  Suspend Mandatory Training Requirements. CMS is waiving, in-part, the requirements at 42 CFR §483.430(e)(1) related to routine staff training programs unrelated to the public health emergency.  CMS is not waiving 42 CFR §483.430(e)(2)-(4) which requires focusing on the clients’ developmental, behavioral and health needs and being able to demonstrate skills related to interventions for inappropriate behavior and implementing individual plans.
• Modification of Adult Training Programs and Active Treatment. CMS recognizes that during the public health emergency, active treatment will need to be modified.  The requirements at 42 CFR §483.440(a)(1) require that each client must receive a continuous active treatment program, which includes consistent implementation of a program of specialized and generic training, treatment, health services and related services.  CMS is waiving those components of beneficiaries’ active treatment programs and training that would violate current state and local requirements for social distancing, staying at home, and traveling for essential services only.

The full overview of these waivers CMS released can be found here. 

Hilton, American Express, and Marriott Provide Support Amid COVID-19

Hilton’s Rooms Donation Program to Frontline Medical Workers 

Hilton and American Express have partnered to donate up to one million free hotel nights to our association and other frontline medical professionals, so you can have a safe and welcoming place to stay as you support those impacted by COVID-19.

Bookings can be made for up to 7 consecutive nights at a time and are currently open through May 9th. The program will run through May 31st with rooms being added through the end of May on a rolling basis, subject to availability.

To search available hotels and book, log in on AHCA/NCAL’s website, and go to www.ahcancal.org/Hilton-Partnership to find a link to the program. Hilton has required that participating associations limit the offer to members to help ensure that the offer gets to who it was intended to reach – frontline health care workers treating COVID-19.

Marriott Community Caregivers Rate

Marriott is offering a “Community Caregivers Rate” to expedite the booking process for healthcare and relief professionals and support staff. This rate will be available from March 26, 2020 through June 30, 2020 at participating hotels.  

Having trouble logging into our website? Go to our Member Dashboard forassistance. Please email COVID19@ahca.org for additional questions, or visit ahcancal.org/coronavirus for more information.

ICF/IID Reports

AHCA's Research Department has released the following June 2019 updates for use by AHCA/NCAL members (Login Required):

• LTC Stats: Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) Standard Health Survey Report, June 2019
• LTC Stats: Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID), Facility and Resident Characteristics, June 2019

If you have any questions relating to these reports, which include important ICF/IID state and national data, please contact AHCA’s Research Director, Kiran Sreenivas.

We Need You for Our Social Media Initiative

AHCA/NCAL began a social media advocacy initiative last year and is encouraging all members to get involved.  The effort focuses on improving the overall image of the post-acute and long term care profession by sharing positive stories and pushing back on pieces that attempt to tie all providers to isolated negative events.

AHCA/NCAL will be sending interested members tips for getting more involved on social media, best practices for posting content, sample posts, and a roundup of positive stories about the profession on a regular basis. Individuals who want to get involved should email socialmedia@ahca.org to get on the mailing list.

The campaign also will include a rapid response to stories that are unfairly negative about the profession or do not accurately portray the reality of post-acute and long term care.  AHCA/NCAL hopes to build on these successes as the year continues. With thousands of buildings nationwide who touch the lives of millions of people, there is the chance to seriously affect the way the profession is viewed and treated by lawmakers and the media.

Articles and Resources of Interest

• New COVID-19 Resources
• A Virtual Continuing Education Opportunity that Delivers Variety, Flexibility, and Quality with 70 Course Offerings
• Update on National Skilled Nursing Care Week May 10-16, 2020
• Update on Personal Protective Equipment

Legislative and Agency Corner

• CMS Memo on Reporting Confirmed Cases
• CDC Return to Work Guidance: Contingency & Crisis Strategies
• Parents Of Those With Disabilities Seek Exception To COVID-19 No-Visitor Rules
• Stimulus Checks Now Automatic For People On SSI

National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities

The National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD) holds a monthly call or webinar concerning topics of interest to those who work in the field of aging and disability.  One of the past calls focused on resources for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and their caregivers.  Information about future calls, and audio recording of previous ones, can be found here.

2020 Health Care Observances

May 2020 marks, among other observances, Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM), Healthy Vision Month (HVM), National American Stroke Month, National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month and National Mental Health Month.  The 2020 Healthcare Observances Calendar can be found here.