July 2, 2020
MDHHS Offers Rapid Response Staffing Program to Long Term Care Facilities The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) released information today on the implementation of the Rapid Response Staffing Program. The Rapid Response Program is in response to supporting staffing needs related to COVID. MDHHS partnered with 22nd Century Technologies (TSTCI) to allow providers in select counties of West Michigan and SE Michigan to request and receive staffing support in emergency situations. MDHHS will provide short-term staffing assistance to those providers who request assistance and meet the criteria included in Appendix A of the plan. To request assistance, a provider must first contact TSTCI at 800-674-8380 and then complete a survey within 24 hours of requesting staffing resources.
Be Prepared for Hot Weather Temperatures across the state are expected to soar, being in the 90's for much of the state through the next week. Our COVID controls and measures put added burden on preparedness plans. Make sure you have reviewed your emergency plans and have included procedures that incorporate any additional needs and precautions you may need to take due to a loss of power or difficulty in managing the high heat.
Sign Up for Nursing Home Influenza Study By July 7 Flu season can be particularly brutal for residents of nursing homes and other post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) facilities. That's why a team of nationally recognized LTC researchers from Brown University are collaborating with Insight Therapeutics to begin the second year of a large-scale, quality improvement study to evaluate the impact of the annual influenza vaccine choice on LTC facility residents' hospitalization risk. If interested in participating, go to join.nhflustudy.com to answer a brief questionnaire to see if you quality. But hurry; the study closes on Tuesday (July 7). Participating facilities will be allocated to receive one of two Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended flu vaccines for adults at no cost. Participating facilities also will receive a free supply of the vaccine for staff. In addition, the Foundation for PALTC Medicine will receive a $100 donation for each facility that enrolls. Please contact Insight Therapeutics, LLC, at NHFlustudy@inther.com or 757-625-6040, if you need additional information. SIGMA ID For Testing Reimbursement Are you having trouble finding your SIGMA ID to include on your Testing Reimbursement Form? If so, you can log into CHAMPS to find your ID:
Member Updates are not anticipated during the holiday weekend unless essential news is released. For questions or concerns please contact Cathy Sunlin at CathySunlin@HCAM.org. |