Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare Late afternoon, Monday, June 1, 2020 CMS “unveiled enhanced enforcement for nursing homes with violations of longstanding infection control practices. This announcement builds on the previous actions CMS has taken to ensure the safety and security of America’s nursing homes as the nation battles coronavirus disease…… Continue reading Enhanced Enforcement Actions Based on Nursing Home COVID-19 Data and Inspection Results

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare AHCA/NCAL (American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living) has developed an algorithm for testing and cohorting nursing home residents.  This algorithm incorporates the latest guidance from CDC on the coronavirus. AHCA/NCAL Algorithm for Testing and Cohorting Nursing Home Residents is a 10-page document posted on…… Continue reading Testing and Cohorting Residents

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare On May 27, 2020, CMS announced the following: The purpose of this communication is to inform you that CMS will utilize the QIES mailbox to communicate important information related to your nursing home’s compliance with the requirement to report COVID-19 data to the Centers for Disease…… Continue reading Imposition Notices of Civil Monetary Penalty for Failure to Report COVID-19 Data to NHSN

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare In case you haven’t heard this news yet, HHS announced on May 22, 2020 that it has begun distributing billions in additional relief funds to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to help them combat the devastating effects of this pandemic. Nursing homes play a pivotal role in…… Continue reading HHS Announces Nearly $4.9 Billion Distribution to Nursing Facilities Impacted by COVID-19

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare On Wednesday, May 27, 2020, the World Health Organization along with the United Nations Foundation and Illumination, “partnered to launch a Public Service Announcement (PSA) that reinforces safe and healthy practices during these challenging times, featuring Illumination’s globally beloved Gru and the Minions. The PSA focuses…… Continue reading WHO Launches Public Service Announcement – You’ll Want to See This

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare The May 28, 2020 LTC Office Hours was a great session!  The subject was testing considerations and cohorting of COVID-19 patients in LTC.  This link will take you to the presentation handout.  The presenter was Nimalie Stone, MD from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…… Continue reading COVID-19 in LTC Office Hours – COVID-19 Testing Considerations and Cohorting

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare CMS posted an updated COVID-19 FAQ a couple of hours ago (the document shows yesterday’s date).  As with each FAQ updated, you’ll see the date for each specific item that is accompanied by the word New – both in very small type.  This is a 71-page…… Continue reading Updated COVID-19 FAQs on Medicare Fee-for-Service Billing – With a Gift

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare The Office of Inspector General has announced a strategic plan: Oversight of COVID-19 Response and Recovery.  At this point, this is a quick, interesting read – 7 pages.  Please share this plan with your team. “The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created unprecedented challenges…… Continue reading OIG Strategic Plan: Oversight of COVID-19 Response and Recovery

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare The Office of Inspector General has added these audits/surveillance studies beginning in May 2020 that impact LTC.  Additionally, OIG is auditing the awarding and disbursement of $50 billion in Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payments to hospitals and other providers. More information about each of the above…… Continue reading Nursing Home Oversight During the COVID-19 Pandemic (OIG)

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare Friday afternoon, May 22, 2020, the CDC released Interim Guidance for Communities of Faith.  This online interim guidance was also reviewed again the following day.  This was posted about 1 week after the original guidance which did not include religious organizations/communities.  I’m posting this as our…… Continue reading CDC Releases Recommendations for Communities of Faith