Long COVID May Be Lurking: Learn How to Help Residents

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now uses the term “post-COVID conditions” (PCC) to label the multitude of physical and mental health consequences that some people—including those who had an initial mild or asymptomatic acute SARS-CoV-2 infection—continue to experience four or more weeks post-infection, according to Post-COVID Conditions: …

COVID-19 Diagnosis Flow Chart for FY 2023

The complexities of assigning codes for COVID-19 and associated manifestations can be a confusing process. The AAPACN COVID-19 Diagnosis Flow Chart tool uses chapter-specific coding guidance for FY 2023 and will assist the user to ensure all appropriate diagnoses are considered when using the ICD-10-CM coding manual for final code …

AHRQ: Incorporating Infection Prevention and Control into an Emergency Preparedness Plan (5/22)

Nursing home leaders can reference this resource to ensure that the facility’s emergency preparedness plan is current and captures an all-hazards approach to meeting the health, safety, and security needs of staff and residents during an emergency or disaster. Resource: Incorporating Infection Prevention and Control into an Emergency Preparedness Plan (PDF, 236 …

AHRQ 5-Minute Learning Modules for Frontline Staff: Staff Support, Resident Support, Leadership, Post-Vaccination Practice, COVID-19 Identification and Prevention, Vaccination and Testing (5/22)

These brief videos offer self-paced learning for those on the front lines of nursing home care. This includes nursing assistants, housekeeping, dietary, and maintenance staff, and others. Emotional and Organizational Support for Staff series This series of three learning modules features strategies to help nursing home teams recognize and manage …

AHRQ Nursing Home Guide for COVID-19 Staff Vaccination Programs (4/22)

AHRQ has created a guide for nursing home leaders as they implement COVID-19 vaccination programs among staff members. The resource identifies important factors to consider from planning to implementation, including guidance on updating policies and procedures to communicating vaccination plans with staff. Access the guide and additional resources in AHRQ’s COVID-19 Resources Catalog for …

Q&A: Where can I find the latest guidance regarding health care personnel returning to work after COVID-19?

Question: Where can I find the latest guidance regarding health care personnel returning to work after COVID-19? Answer: The Work Restrictions for HCP Table on the Center for Disease and Prevention’s (CDC) webpage provides information regarding return to work criteria based on both the staff member’s vaccination status and staffing …

CDC Call Recording: COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines Review (1/22)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently updated COVID-19 quarantine and isolation recommendations for healthcare and non-healthcare settings. During this COCA Call, presenters discussed the science supporting these changes, the populations and settings to which these changes apply, and additional precautions people should take at the end …

Q&A: Where can I find resources to assist me with increasing COVID-19 vaccine and booster uptake?

There are several great resources for facility leaders to utilize. The Society for Post-Acute and Long-term Care Medicine (AMDA) has several great resources in their COVID-19 Vaccine Education Toolkit.  These resources are free to everyone, however, you will need to register with AMDA to access them. The Centers for Disease …

Q&A: What are the changes affecting SNFs in the updated blanket waiver that was recently released?

The COVID-19 Emergency Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers that was updated and released on Nov 29, 2021 adds a new waiver that allows more flexibility in the education and training requirements for individuals serving as Directors of Food and Nutrition Services. Want to read more Q&As? Visit the AAPACN …