COVID-19 Testing Guidelines for Nursing Homes (9/21)

Updates as of Sept. 10, 2021 Updated outbreak response guidance to promote use of contact tracing approach. Alternative broad-based approaches to outbreak response at a facility-wide or unit level are also described. Updated expanded screening testing recommendations for healthcare personnel (HCP). Updated recommendations for quarantine of fully vaccinated residents. Updated …

Sept. 30 CDC COCA Call: Evaluating and Supporting Patients Presenting With Fatigue Following COVID-19

Overview During this COCA Call, presenters will discuss Post-COVID conditions (PCC), an umbrella term for the wide range of health consequences present four or more weeks after infection with SARS-CoV-2, which includes Long-COVID. It can be difficult to distinguish symptoms of fatigue and post-exertional malaise caused by PCC from symptoms that …

COVID-19 MLN Matters Article SE20011 Update Highlights Need to Meet Part A Level-of-Care Requirements (9/21)

The section “SNF Qualifying Hospital Stay (QHS) and Benefit Period Waivers” in MLN Matters Special Edition Article SE20011 Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Response to the Public Health Emergency on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been updated. The emergency SNF QHS and benefit period requirements under Section 1812(f) of the Social Security Act …

In-Service Education Improvements for Regulatory Compliance and Staff Competency

An effective in-service program not only ensures competency and meets regulatory requirements, but also incorporates many learning styles and fosters the enjoyment of learning. Given the resources that a facility must dedicate to its in-service education program, it’s important that nurse leaders review their program regularly. Ask the following questions: …

Lead CNA Programs: Learn How to Hire and Support the Best In-House Candidates

Lead certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs can create positive change in nursing homes. While program goals often vary from facility to facility, lead CNA programs may improve resident quality of life and quality of care, increase CNA communication and teamwork, give CNAs a path for professional growth and reduce CNA …

Learn How to Navigate the AHRQ COVID-19 Resource Collection (8/21)

This video [1 minute, 29 seconds] explains how to navigate the Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network’s resources site, find the latest news, and search for materials by topic or other filters. Audio description version 

The Exit of the CNA: Mandate or Me—What Now?

With the introduction of the vaccine mandate for nursing home employees, many organizational leaders fear staff, especially certified nursing assistants (CNAs), will quit rather than get the vaccine. This week, several industry experts have voiced concerns about the potential for a mass exit of CNAs, questioning how facilities can continue …

MDS Section K Online Training: Height, Weight, & Nutritional Approaches for SNFs (8/21)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a web-based training course that provides an overview of the assessment and coding of K0200: Height and Weight and K0500: Nutritional Approaches. This 30-minute course is intended for providers in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and is designed to be used …

Intramuscular Injections—Best Practices for Safe Vaccine Administration (8/21)

This Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) resource on best practices for safe vaccine administration is intended to support experienced vaccinators and others administering the COVID-19 vaccine to nursing home residents and staff. The Intramuscular Injections: Best Practices for Safe Vaccine Administration in Nursing Homes resource offers guidance before, during and …

Nurse Aide (CNA) In-Service Training and Competency Tracker Tool

F947, Required in-service training for nurse aides, requires that each certified nursing assistant (CNA) complete a minimum of 12 hours of in-service training per year starting on the CNA’s hire date. Nurse leaders can customize this tool to include the competencies outlined in their facility assessment and the CNA’s performance …