CMS has posted the most recent county positivity data – December 7, 2020. Remember that past data is found in the Archives. Another reminder is that nursing homes are required to conduct testing of residents and staff. More information about these requirements and guidelines can be found here. These guidelines include testing staff … Read More
Recent COVID-19 updates and information
There is also information about the difference between quarantine and isolation and options to reduce quarantine as well as confirmed and suspected cases of reinfection of the virus that causes COVID-19. Options to Reduce Quarantine for Contacts of Persons with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Using Symptom Monitoring and Diagnostic Testing was updated December … Read More
New half billion incentive payment distribution to nursing homes coming
On Monday, December 7, 2020, HHS Secretary Alex Azar announced the distribution of $523 million in second round performance payments to over 9,000 nursing homes. These nursing homes are being rewarded for successfully reducing COVID-19 related infections and deaths between September and October. Nursing homes will begin receiving payments December 9. “HHS … Read More
Updates to the Nursing Home Compare website and Five Star Quality Rating System
December 4, 2020, CMS posted QSO 21-06-NH … Updates to the Nursing Home Compare Website and Five Star Quality Rating System. This 3-page QSO memorandum provides updates on the Health Inspection and Quality Measure domains of the Five Star Quality Rating System, and the transition to the new Care Compare … Read More
COVID-19: Urgent actions needed to better ensure an effective federal response (GAO report)
On November 30, 2020, the GAO (Government Accountability Office) issued a report to the U.S. Congress. “This report examines the federal government’s continued efforts to respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and makes 11 new recommendations to federal agencies and raises one new matter for congressional consideration. Areas … Read More