Recent data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) indicates that the trending increase in COVID-19 in nursing homes is related to an increase in cases in the general population.
A Harvard Medical School professor recently had this to say about the increase: “According to preliminary research presented, larger facilities located in urban areas with large populations, particularly in counties with a higher prevalence of COVID-19 cases, were more likely to have reported cases.”
While nursing home deaths related to the Coronavirus had been decreasing, since this surge in the community spread of the disease, the deaths are again beginning to increase.
The President and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) also expressed concern about the effect that the trend would have. He said, “This is especially troubling since many nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are still unable to acquire the personal protective equipment and testing they need to fully combat this virus.”
In a letter AHCA/NCAL sent to the National Governors Association (NGA) the president wrote:“Given the fact we are several months into the response to this pandemic and the lack of PPE supplies is still an issue is very concerning. We request governors and state public health agencies to help secure and direct more PPE supplies to nursing homes and assisted living communities, especially N95 masks.”
Congress is being urged to provide $100,000 in additional funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Provider Relief Fund. This fund is accessible for all healthcare providers impacted by the Coronavirus, and a large part of the fund is being used to help nursing homes and assisted living communities obtain the resources needed, including the repeated testing of staff and necessary PPE.
Compliance Perspective
Nursing homes that have recently been attempting to ease visitation restrictions are now faced with an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases due to the increasing community spread of COVID-19. There is a need to review and refocus on the CMS and CDC guidelines for responding to the pandemic, along with the continuing challenge of maintaining an adequate supply of PPE and testing resources.
Discussion Points:
- Review policies and procedures regarding visitation restrictions, implementation of the CMS and CDC guidelines (https://www.cms.gov/files/document/4220-covid-19-long-term-care-facility-guidance.pdf and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/long-term-care.html), and obtaining adequate PPE and testing resources.
- Train staff regarding any changes in visitation restrictions, use of PPE, and sanitation hygiene.
- Periodically audit to determine that protocols for preventing the spread of the Coronavirus are in place, PPE is available and being properly used, and staff are following hand and other hygiene practices.
