White House Announces Vaccination Distribution Program for LTC Residents

​​​​On Friday, October 16, the White House announced​ the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program—a national vaccine distribution program for long term care residents.

The COVID-19 vaccine will likely become available in phases over the coming months. To prepare, the federal government has partnered with CVS and Walgreens to distribute and administer the vaccine to residents in long term care facilities. This program is free of charge and covers all of the reporting requirements associated with the vaccine. Vaccination for health care workers will be handled by states, and likely take place in early phases of distribution.

Starting on Monday, October 19, long term care facilities (nursing homes, assisted living communities, ICF/IIDs and other congregate settings for older adults) will have two weeks to register with the CDC on how they want to receive and administer the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. Nursing homes will be able to register through the NHSN website, while assisted living communities and other congregate​ settings can register through an online survey. ​Additional information and sign-up details can be accessed here.  

Administration for Community Living (ACL) Releases New Issues Briefs on Quality Measures

Full details regarding quality measures for home and community based care and the issues briefs can be accessed on the ACL website.

Due November 12: Submit Your 2021 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Intent to Apply Today

​The National Quality Award portal is now open, and accepting Intent to Apply submissions for the 2021 program year.  

We hope you’ll consider applying for this important award. Participating in the program has many benefits:

·         It provides a proven framework that organizations can use to make improvements in any clinical, quality or other operational function (i.e. staff engagement, customer satisfaction, hospital readmissions).

·         It prepares organizations to meet regulatory requirements and navigate a changing market. 

·         It serves as a team building activity to engage staff across all levels of the organization.

·         Organizations gain external recognition, serving as a marketing resource for consumers, referral sources and other key stakeholders.

·         ​Participants receive customized feedback with their top strengths and improvement areas.

Please visit the Quality Award Website to download applications and materials for your respective award level and to learn how your facility should begin preparing.

Key 2021 Program Dates:

·         November 12, 2020 – Intent to Apply Deadline

·         January 28, 2021 – Application and Fee Deadline 

Examiner Program Applications Available!

If you’re interested in other ways to get involved, consider becoming an Examiner for the 2021 program cycle. Examiners play a significant role in reviewing Quality Award applications and impacting quality improvement in organizations across the country. 

Get started today by visiting ahcancal.org/qualityaward! For questions, email qualityaward@ahca.org​.

ICF/IID Reports

AHCA's Research Department has released the following June 2020 updates for use by AHCA/NCAL members (Login Required):

LTCStats: Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with IntellectualDisabilities (ICF/IID) Standard Health Survey Report, June 2020

LTCStats: Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with IntellectualDisabilities (ICF/IID), Facility and Resident Characteristics, June 2020

 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.

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.

Articles and Resources of Interest

• Register Fall 2020 Series: Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities ECHO

• Webinar on Nov. 10: Centering Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities During Crises & Emergencies

• Finalists Announced in Competition To Combat Social Isolation

• Tips for Keeping Residents Engaged

• Keeping People Connected: Innovative Methods Using an Infection Prevention & Control Mindset

Legislative and Agency Corner

• Extended to Nov 18: CMS Seeks Input on Recommended Quality Measures for Home- and Community-Based Services

• IRS issues final regulations for Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts

• SSI, Social Security Benefits Will Increase In 2021

• Murray, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Track COVID-19 in Congregate Care Facilities to Protect People with Disabilities and Older Americans

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

November 2020 marks, among other observances, National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. The 2020 Healthcare Observances Calendar can be found here.