Summary of Grants Available for COVID-19 Costs Nursing facilities have a number of opportunities to receive various grant funds to support the cost of the pandemic. Click HERE for a link to a summary list of the programs available through various state agencies and information about each program, including deadlines. If you need more information on any of these programs go to www.HCAM.org and search the previously released updates for the grant program you are looking for. If you need further help you may contact Pat Anderson at patanderson@hcam.org. REMINDER: Important Webinars Happening This Week Office Hours - Department of Labor and COVID-19: Wednesday, 9/30 at 3 PM Eastern - AHCA/NCAL will host an "office hour" tomorrow to answer your questions about the new Department of Labor (DOL) coronavirus leave requirements. Our DOL consultants from Jackson Lewis, Craig S. Robert, Principal and Henry Shapiro , Associate, will present an overview and updates to leave requirements in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act impacting long term care. This overview will include the new definition of healthcare workers. After their presentation, the consultants will be available for your questions. Please note, this is not meant to take the place of guidance from your legal counsel. No pre-registration is required but you will need to login using your computer or WebEx app as questions will be accepted using the chat function. Read More Coronavirus Testing in Nursing Homes Webinar: Thursday, 10/1 at 1:30 PM Eastern - This Thursday from 1:30 to 3 PM Eastern, there will be an ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network webinar on Coronavirus testing in nursing homes. Speakers include:
A moderated Q&A will follow each brief presentation. Registration is required. Read More
Influenza Vaccination Data Reporting for LTC Facilities: 10/1 & 10/6 at 1 PM Eastern - With flu season approaching, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has implemented two new features in the National Healthcare Safety Network. Long term care facilities will now be able to track weekly influenza vaccination data beginning with the 2020-2021 influenza season for both healthcare personnel and residents. To provide detailed information about the new tracking information, the CDC will host two webinars on October 1 and October 6. Read More Please email COVID19@ahca.org for additional questions, or visit ahcancal.org/coronavirus for more information.
Legislative Update SB 6159 - The Michigan House of Representatives last week reported HB 6159 to the Senate. The bill grants immunity to health care providers and facilities, including nursing facilities and homes for the aged and their staff, for medical services provided in response to COVID-19. The immunity would be granted from March 10 through July 14, when the state and the profession were hardest hit by the virus. The immunity would not apply to gross negligence or willful misconduct. HB 6159 will receive a hearing in Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee on Thursday, October 1. HCAM continues to advocate for the passage of HB 6159, and for immunity for facilities as they continue to fight COVID-19 today and for the foreseeable future. You may find the bill and track its progress by clicking HERE.
HB 4098 - Last week the Michigan House of Representatives approved House Bill 4098. The bill establishes a medication aide registry in the state of Michigan. Twenty-two states allow for the use of medication aides in nursing facilities. The legislation provides an opportunity for a qualified CNA to complete additional education and testing to be registered as a medication aide. Responsibilities of medication aides would include administering regularly scheduled medication under the supervision of a registered nurse. The legislation clarifies that medication aides would not be permitted to administer controlled substances, medications in injectable forms, or the initial administration of medications. HCAM is advocating for a hearing in the Senate with the goal of passage of the bill before the end of the calendar year. You may find the bill and track its progress by clicking HERE. SB 77 - It is expected that the Michigan Senate will report Senate Bill 77 to the House this week. SB 77 allows for a resident or a resident's representative to place an electronic monitoring device in the resident's room. The bill also states that consent of roommates is required, the cost of the device would be covered by the resident, and monitoring would be done in a way to protect the privacy of other residents and visitors. HCAM continues to advocate for language that would ensure the privacy and dignity rights of residents are protected under the bill. You may find the bill and track its progress by clicking HERE.
Please contact Rich Farran at RichFarran@hcam.org with any questions.
Sept. 29, 2020 |