AHCA/NCAL Urges Biden Administration to Consider Implications of Vaccination Policy
Following an announcement from President Biden last week that all nursing home staff will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in a forthcoming regulation, the nursing home industry warned about the potential impact on the profession’s already challenging workforce situation. Industry leaders are deeply concerned that it may cause a mass exodus from the nursing home profession, leaving frail seniors without the caregivers and access to care they need.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) should use a thoughtful approach in developing the policy—one that focuses on retaining current staff members. AHCA/NCAL sent a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, encouraging the Administration to strengthen the policy by including all health care settings and provide resources to support providers in their efforts.
Other COVID-19 Updates
Vaccinations, Visitation, and Vigilance During the Delta Surge: The Delta variant is now the most common variant in the US, making up over 85% of cases, and is two to three times as contagious as prior variants. This is causing a surge in cases in communities across the country, which puts long term care facilities at risk of outbreaks. Read More
CDC Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine While Pregnant or Breastfeeding: The CDC now officially recommends COVID-19 vaccination for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. Read More
NHSN COVID-19 Vaccination Module Updated to Reflect Additional Vaccine Doses: To anticipate recommendations for additional COVID-19 vaccine series, NHSN is updating their COVID-19 Vaccine data collection form and table of instructions to reflect the latest recommendations for additional doses. Read More
COVID-19 Vaccination Data Added to LTC Trend Tracker: As the Delta variant continues to spread throughout the country, it’s important to monitor vaccination rates among long term care residents and staff. Read More
COVID-19 Webinars
Recording Available! How to Boost Your Staff Vaccination Rates
Hosted by AHCA//NCAL
Access the Recording
Recording Available! Best Practices for Vaccine Mandates
Hosted by AHCA//NCAL
Access the Recording
Please email COVID19@ahca.org for additional questions, or visit ahcancal.org/coronavirus for more information.
NYSHFA/NYSCAL CONTACTS:
Lisa Volk, RN, B.P.S., LNHA
Director, Clinical & Quality Services
518-462-4800 x15
Jackie Pappalardi, RN, BSN
Executive Director
518-462-4800 x16
