CMS to Update County Data for COVID-19 Testing Weekly and Allow Use of State or County Data in Updated Methodology

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has updated the Excel file that flags COVID-19 positive test rates in counties. CMS modified the method for classifying a county as green, yellow, or red and expanded the measure to cover results over a 14-day period in each county instead of seven days. SNFs should use the color classification provided in the file. 

The revised methodology results in some red counties with rates >10% being reclassified to yellow:  

• Green = Counties with test percent positivity <5.0% or with <20 tests in past 14 days 
• Yellow = Counties with test percent positivity 5.0%-10.0%; OR with <500 tests and <2,000 tests/100k and >10% positivity over 14 days 
• Red = >10.0% and not meeting the criteria for “Green” or “Yellow” 

Posting Frequency: CMS also clarified that it will post county data weekly​. It stated that facilities must check weekly and should pick one day of the week to check each week. They should document their plan for checking and document the dates used by CMS for the data in the top of the Excel file.  
Using State or County Data: CMS has indicated on several national calls that facilities can use test positivity data released by their state or county if the data is more recent than the CMS data. The facility must document the source and date of the data being used. 

Now Available: Payment Resource for COVID-19 Testing

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released information to help states, nursing facilities, and other providers better understand the sources of Medicare and Medicaid coverage and payment for COVID-19 testing. Among the resources is the Coverage and Payment for COVID-19 Testing in Nursing Facilities flow chart​, which details testing coverage for nursing facility residents. ​AHCA/NCAL has developed a summary​ of this resource. 

Join Your Colleagues - 71st AHCA/NCAL Virtual Convention Begins October 8

The unrelenting challenges of the pandemic have hit the long term and post-acute care sectors especially hard. Over the last several months, providers have fought tirelessly to provide quality care and protect those that are most vulnerable to COVID-19.

The Virtual Convention & Expo taking place in October will unite providers from all across the country to reflect, learn, and share at this critical time.

“Now more than ever we need all levels of our profession to come together to discuss and share best practices, hear and learn from experts, and recognize the heroic work that many have done during this unprecedented time,” says AHCA/NCAL President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Parkinson.
Taking place from October 8 – 31, the Virtual Convention & Expo will offer 24 days of access to:

• 14th Annual NCAL Day
• On-demand and live streaming sessions
• Networking lounges
• Moderated discussions 
• Q&As with speakers and panelists
• Expo Hall with more than 70 business partners
• Awards and Recognitions

You can earn up to 50 CEs by participating in sessions on your own time and at your own pace. Watch and re-watch sessions as your schedule allows — the platform will be available 24/7.

Get-Together Thursdays on October 8, 15, and 22 will feature the live sessions, moderated discussions, networking lounges, National Quality Award ceremony, and much more.

Over the 24 days of convention, you will have access to education sessions in 17 tracks of learning on key topics relevant to you. There will be a wide range of exciting speakers attending.

So while we may not be gathering in person, the 71st AHCA/NCAL Virtual Convention & Expo is packed with the value, convenience, and connection you’ve come to expect and deserve.

Get details and register today at AHCAConvention.org.

We Need You For Our Social Media Initiative

 

AHCA/NCAL began a social media advocacy initiative last year and is encouraging all members to get involved.  The effort focuses on improving the overall image of the post-acute and long term care profession by sharing positive stories and pushing back on pieces that attempt to tie all providers to isolated negative events.

AHCA/NCAL will be sending interested members tips for getting more involved on social media, best practices for posting content, sample posts, and a roundup of positive stories about the profession on a regular basis. Individuals who want to get involved should email socialmedia@ahca.org to get on the mailing list.<
The campaign also will include a rapid response to stories that are unfairly negative about the profession or do not accurately portray the reality of post-acute and long term care. AHCA/NCAL hopes to build on these successes as the year continues. With thousands of buildings nationwide who touch the lives of millions of people, there is the chance to seriously affect the way the profession is viewed and treated by lawmakers and the media.

Coronavirus

Visit the AHCA/NCAL Coronavirus website daily for the latest information that we have to share with long term care providers about COVID-19.  As concerns arise with the emerging coronavirus, officially named COVID-19, we are working nationally with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure our long term care communities receive necessary supplies and guidance to prevent the spread of this disease.

Submit Your 2021 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Intent to Apply Today

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Portal Now Open!

​The National Quality Award portal is now open, and accepting Intent to Apply submissions for the 2021 program year.  

We hope you’ll consider applying for this important award. Participating in the program has many benefits:

• It provides a proven framework that organizations can use to make improvements in any clinical, quality or other operational function (i.e. staff engagement, customer satisfaction, hospital readmissions).
• It prepares organizations to meet regulatory requirements and navigate a changing market. 
• It serves as a team building activity to engage staff across all levels of the organization.
• Organizations gain external recognition, serving as a marketing resource for consumers, referral sources and other key stakeholders.
• ​Participants receive customized feedback with their top strengths and improvement areas.

Please visit the Quality Award Website to download applications and materials for your respective award level and to learn how your facility should begin preparing.

Key 2021 Program Dates:

• November 12, 2020 – Intent to Apply Deadline
• January 28, 2021 – Application and Fee Deadline 

Examiner Program Applications Available!

If you’re interested in other ways to get involved, consider becoming an Examiner for the 2021 program cycle. Examiners play a significant role in reviewing Quality Award applications and impacting quality improvement in organizations across the country. 

Get started today by visiting ahcancal.org/qualityaward! For questions, email qualityaward@ahca.org​.

Articles and Resources of Interest

• An Update on Potential “False Positive” Tests – Discordance Between Antigen and PCR Tests
• How to Become a CLIA-Certified Assisted Living Facility & Receive Abbott Test Kits
• AHCA/NCAL and Members Recognize Importance of Flu Vaccine
• Navigating Resident Outings, Medical Appointments, and Everything in Between

Legislative and Agency Corner

• Additional Details on Nursing Home Incentive Payment Program Released
• ASPR Releases a New Toolkit
• CMS Pulls the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Rule (MFAR)
• Coronavirus Commission Releases Report on Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes
• CMS Makes it Easier for SNFs to Allow Visitors

2020 Health Care Observances

October 2020 marks, among other observances, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The 2020 Healthcare Observances Calendar can be found here.