CMS has posted updated COVID-19 data for the week ending October 4, 2020. County positivity rates dated October 13, 2020 are also available. This is data from September 24-October 7, 2020. (Remember you can also access past county activity rates in the archives.) Facilities should monitor these rates every other week and adjust staff … Read More
Tips for the PBJ pro — Get ready for the Nov. 14 deadline!
COVID-19 has dominated the news — and the senior care industry. Over the past few months, CMS has issued waivers, updated waivers, and repealed waivers. Amidst this COVID chaos is confusion over what PBJ Staffing data is currently posted on Nursing Home Compare. Is it Q1?…Q2? When do you see … Read More
CDC COVID-19 updates: First full week of October 2020
CDC was busy updating COVID-19 guidance/website late last week: Clinical Care Guidance for Healthcare Professionals about Coronavirus (COVID-19) No details provided on what was updated but this is a good site to bookmark for future reference. Flowchart for management of HCWs with exposure to a person with COVID-19 Interim Guidelines … Read More
CMS announces new repayment terms for COVID-19 provider Medicare loans
Late in the afternoon on Thursday, October 8, 2020, CMS announced “amended terms for payments issued under the Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) Program as required by recent action by President Trump and Congress. This Medicare loan program allows CMS to make advance payments to providers and are typically used … Read More
Compliance with residents’ rights requirement related to NH residents’ right to vote
On October 5, 2020, CMS issued this QSO-21-02-NH memorandum. This is a 3-page document. A resident’s rights, including the right to vote, must not be impeded in any way by the nursing home and its facility staff. Nursing homes should have a plan to ensure residents can exercise their right … Read More