The ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) approved the following recommendation by majority (13-1) vote at its December 1, 2020 emergency meeting: When a COVID-19 vaccine is authorized by FDA and recommended by ACIP, vaccination in the initial phase of the COVID-19 vaccination program (Phase 1a) should be offered to … Read More
COVID-19 nursing home call – Tuesday, September 8, 2020
CMS and CDC held a Nursing Home Call late in the day on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. I recorded the call as the speakers were CMS Administrator Seema Verma, Admiral Brent Giroir and Dr. Robert Redfield (CDC) – all members of the White House COVID-19 Task Force. The 62 minute, … Read More
CMS updated LTC survey resources
On August 31, 2020, CMS posted updated LTC Survey Resources. (The date on the overall webpage has not been updated since May 2020 so you have to look to close to see if anything new is there.) The new/updated resources include:Revision History for LTC Survey Process Documents and Files UPDATED 08/31/2020 … Read More
Breaking news: Fiscal year 2021 payment and policy changes for Medicare SNFs final rule issued
“On July 31, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule [CMS-1737-F] for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 that updates the Medicare payment rates and the value-based purchasing program for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). CMS is publishing this final rule consistent with the legal requirements to update Medicare … Read More
Nursing home oversight during the COVID-19 pandemic (OIG)
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 can be found at: … Read More