AHCA/NCAL: Biden Administration Announces Winter Preparedness Plan
Yesterday, the Biden Administration announced a COVID-19 Winter Preparedness plan. The plan involves several strategies to expand access to testing, vaccines, and treatments. To support the Winter Preparedness plan, the White House has released a winter playbook for nursing homes and other LTC facilities. The playbook outlines actions facilities can take to encourage vaccine uptake, testing, treatment and improve indoor air quality. Many of these strategies are already underway in LTC facilities across the country. To learn more, AHCA/NCAL encourages providers to review the winter playbook.
Please email COVID19@ahca.org with any questions.
Additional Update
CDC Expands COVID-19 Provider Vaccine Agreements to LTC Facilities
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) announced it is taking steps to make it easier for LTC facilities to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to staff and residents. The CDC is now allowing LTC pharmacies to transfer COVID-19 vaccine/boosters to LTC facilities in single dose vials to directly vaccinate residents and staff by waiving some of the reporting requirements LTC pharmacies had to follow. This move comes after strong advocacy by AHCA/NCAL.
To receive single dose files from the LTC pharmacy, you will need to sign the CDC COVID-19 Sub-Provider Vaccine Agreement for LTCF located on the CDC website. Most of the requirements outlined in this agreement are steps you already follow for other vaccines such as influenza.
Upcoming Webinar
National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call
CMS and the CDC are hosting a call on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 3:00 pm ET. Long-term care providers, facility staff, and resident advocates are encouraged to attend. This event is open to the public and registration is required. Register here.
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
Tarrah Quinlan, RN, BSN
Director of Education Program Development and Member Operations
518-462-4800 x20
