Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare May 11, 2023, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra released the following statement on the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE): “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government approach to combatting COVID-19, our country is in a better place than…… Continue reading HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Statement on End of the COVID-19 PHE

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare CMS posted the latest nursing home data for the week ending April 30, 2023. Comparing the April 30, 2023 data to the April 23, 2023 data shows these changes: Resident primary vaccination completion rate decreased 0.1% again this past week; Residents up to date with vaccines…… Continue reading Latest CDC, CMS and NHSN Nursing Home COVID-19 Data

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare May 11, 2023 – About 1 hour ago, HHS filed the Eleventh Amendment to Declaration Under the Public Readiness and Emergency.  It is scheduled for publication in tomorrow’s Federal Register. The Amendment is effective today. The Secretary issues this amendment pursuant to section 319F–3 of the…… Continue reading Declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act for Medical Countermeasures Against COVID–19

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare The Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 declared under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (PHS) is set to expire by the end of today, May 11. Nebraska ended its COVID-19 PHE on June 30, 2021. In anticipation of the expiration of the…… Continue reading Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Expires Today Information for Nebraska Providers

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) which began in early 2020 will come to an end on May 11, 2023. Throughout the PHE various waivers, regulations, enforcement discretion, and sub-regulatory guidance were utilized to ensure access to care and give health care providers the flexibilities needed…… Continue reading Home Care and Hospice: Ending of the COVID-19 PHE Waivers & Flexibilities

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare CMS posted QSO-20-38-NH on announce the termination of this QSO on May 11, 2023. Effective 05/11/2023, this memo is no longer in effect. Testing for COVID-19 should be conducted by following accepted national standards, such as CDC recommendations. Noncompliance related to COVID-19 testing will be cited…… Continue reading Two (2) QSO Memorandums Posted Regarding End of PHE for NHs 

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare On May 8, 2023, the CDC provided updated IPC recommendations for HCP. This guidance applies to all U.S. settings where healthcare is delivered, including nursing homes and home health. With the end of the public health emergency on May 11, 2023, CDC will no longer receive…… Continue reading Updated Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the COVID-19 Pandemic (CDC)

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare COVID-19 is an ongoing public health problem that will be monitored with sustainable data sources to guide prevention efforts. An early release in the CDC’s May 5, 2023 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), COVID-19 Surveillance After Expiration of the Public Health Emergency Declaration ― United…… Continue reading COVID-19 Surveillance After Expiration of the Public Health Emergency Declaration ― United States, May 11, 2023

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare CMS has posted the latest data for nursing homes for the week ending April 23, 2023. Comparing the April 23, 2023 data to the April 16, 2023 data shows these changes: Resident primary vaccination completion rate decreased 0.1% this past week; Residents up to date with…… Continue reading Latest CMS, CDC and NHSN Nursing Home COVID-19 Data – WHO Statement on COVID-19 Global Emergency

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare Late afternoon on May 1, 2023, the White House issued this Press Release: In 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration announced COVID-19 vaccination requirements to promote the health and safety of individuals and the efficiency of workplaces, protecting vital sectors of our economy and vulnerable populations. Since January…… Continue reading Ending COVID-⁠19 Vaccination Requirements for Federal Employees, Contractors, International Travelers, Head Start Educators and CMS-Certified Facilities