Staff COVID-19 Cases Jump and Resident Cases Pick Up Steam (1/22)
The last two weeks of data show steep increases in staff and resident COVID-19 cases, particularly staff cases: https://data.cms.gov/covid-19/covid-19-nursing-home-data
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 …
SNF DNS Indicted re: Fraudulent COVID Vaccine Cards and Lying to Federal Investigators (12/21)
Case Marks First Charges Brought in District of South Carolina Related to Fraudulent Vaccine Cards Columbia, South Carolina — Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett DeHart announced today that a Federal Grand Jury in Columbia returned a multiple-count indictment in connection with the production of fraudulent COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards, the …
5-Minute Learning Modules for Frontline Staff: Emotional and Organizational Support (12/21)
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 Resource Helps Nursing Home Staff Fit Respirators (12/21)
Respirators, including N95s and elastomeric respirators, help protect healthcare workers from COVID-19 and other airborne viruses. Making sure these respirators fit the face properly is essential to maximizing their effectiveness. A new AHRQ guide defines respirator fit testing and explains why it’s important, how it works and how often nursing home staff …
Q&A: Where can I find information on the new CMS COVID-19 vaccination requirements?
Question: Where can I find information on the new CMS COVID-19 vaccination requirements? Answer from Denise Winzeler, BSN, RN, LNHA, DNS-CT, QCP: CMS has developed a FAQ document regarding the Interim Final Rule that answers a lot of questions regarding the 214-page document that was released on Nov. 4. CMS …
Important CMS Updates for Skilled Nursing Facilities
AAPACN’s mission is to support the professional development, empowerment, and success of members with resources. We especially want to provide that support during the current COVID-19 emergency. Federal guidance is rapidly developing and changing. AAPACN and partner organizations are developing tools and resources to help you care for patients, protect …
Study: Short-term and Long-term Rates of Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (10/21)
Findings In this systematic review of 57 studies comprising more than 250 000 survivors of COVID-19, most sequelae included mental health, pulmonary, and neurologic disorders, which were prevalent longer than 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 exposure. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(10):e2128568. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.28568 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2784918
COVID-19 Testing Guidelines for Nursing Homes (9/21)
Updates as of Sept. 10, 2021 Updated outbreak response guidance to promote use of contact tracing approach. Alternative broad-based approaches to outbreak response at a facility-wide or unit level are also described. Updated expanded screening testing recommendations for healthcare personnel (HCP). Updated recommendations for quarantine of fully vaccinated residents. Updated …