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COVID-19 Resources

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COVID-19 Updates & Essential Resources for PAC

The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) is providing the following resources and on-going updates to LTPAC providers. Please check back daily for the latest information specific to LTPAC facilities and providers.

Updates and Resources for LTPAC

AAPACN Updates

May 11: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Will End
Q&A: How long can a COVID-19 positive resident who met the criteria of strict isolation be covered under Medicare Part A?
OIG: Over 1,000 Nursing Homes Reached 75 Percent Infection Rates in COVID-19 Pandemic’s First Year
COVID-19 Vaccine: Percent of Patients/Residents Who Are Up-to-Date Draft Measure Specifications–SNF QRP
SNF QRP COVID-19 Public Reporting Tip Sheet, Third Edition

AAPACN Resources

AAPACN members have access to the following articles, tools, and nursing in-service education tools; however, during this health crisis, AAPACN has made these resources available to any LTPAC provider regardless of membership status.

AMDA and AAPACN COVID-19 Vaccine Tools

December 9, 2020 – COVID-19 Vaccine: Answers to Your Questions (Educational PowerPoint Presentation for Staff and Residents)
December 9, 2020 – COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Education: A Guide for Medical Directors
December 9, 2020 – Letter from Medical Director to Residents and Families About the COVID-19 Vaccines
December 9, 2020 – Strategies for Improving Staff and Resident Confidence in the COVID-19 Vaccine
December 9, 2020 – Questions and Answers about the COVID-19 Vaccine for PALTC Staff, Patients, Residents and Family Members

AAPACN Tools

January 19, 2022 – COVID 19: Education for Nursing Home Healthcare Personnel
September 3, 2020 – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Donning and Doffing Competency Tool
June 15, 2020 – AAPACN 2020 Virtual Conference – Conversation about COVID-19 with AHCA’s Dr. David Gifford
April 17, 2020 – Delegation of Resident Interviews During Isolation
April 14, 2020 – Leadership Tips to Support Employees During a Crisis
April 10, 2020 – CMS COVID-19 Flexibilities: Nurse Aide Competency Checklist
April 9, 2020 – Hand Hygiene Competency Tool
April 7, 2020 – Isolation and MDS Coding in LTC
April 3, 2020 – Individualized Care Plan Development Guide for Residents with COVID-19
Infection Preventionist Job Description
§483.30 Infection Control Tool

AAPACN In-Service Education Tools

Common Carriers of Infection Nursing In-Service Tool

AAPACN Articles and Podcasts

Infection Control and Emergency Preparedness

December 5, 2022 – Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with High Risk for Severe COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Providers
December 5, 2022 – Information for Clinicians on Therapeutic Options for COVID-19 Patients
November 23, 2022 – Clinical Care Considerations for care of children and adults with confirmed COVID-19
November 14, 2022 – CDC’s Diagnostic Test for COVID-19 Only and Supplies
November 14, 2022 – CDC COVID-19 Tests
October 26, 2022 – Symptoms of Coronavirus
September 28, 2022 – Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
September 26, 2022 – Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
September 23, 2022 – Interim Guidance for Managing Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure to SARS-CoV-2
September 23, 2022 – Considerations for Use of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Testing in Nursing Homes
September 23, 2022 – Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
September 9, 2022 – Reinfection of the Virus that Causes COVID-19
September 2, 2022 – Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
August 11, 2022 – Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know
August 11, 2022 – COVID-19 County Check Tool: Understanding Community Transmission Levels in Your County
August 11, 2022 – CDC guidance on the spread of COVID-19
August 11, 2022 – Assessing Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19 Illness
July 15, 2022 – Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens for COVID-19
June 13, 2022 – Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Tool for Nursing Homes Preparing for COVID-19
May 16, 2022 – Interim Guidelines for COVID-19 Antibody Testing
May 5, 2022 – Testing Strategies for SARS-CoV-2
April 26, 2022 – SARS-CoV-2 Variant Classifications and Definitions
April 4, 2022 – How to Report COVID-19 Laboratory Data
April 4, 2022 – Guidance for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care Testing
March 16, 2022 – Clinical Care Quick Reference for COVID-19
February 10, 2022 – Contact Tracing for COVID-19
February 4, 2022 – What to Know About HIV and COVID-19
January 25, 2022 – How to safely visit nursing homes (PDF)
December 23, 2021 – CDC Releases Emergency Guidance for Healthcare Facilities to Prepare for Potential Omicron Surge
December 15, 2021 – Nursing Home COVID-19 Vaccination Data Dashboard
December 6, 2021 – Viral Testing Tool
November 19, 2021 – eCR Now: COVID-19 Electronic Case Reporting for Healthcare Providers
November 12, 2021 – Frequently Asked Questions about Coronavirus (COVID-19) for Laboratories
November 1, 2021 – Training for Healthcare Professionals
September 21, 2021 – CLIA SARS-CoV-2 Variant FAQ
August 12, 2021 – Social Media Graphic
July 22, 2021 – Communication Toolkit (COVID-19 resources available in multiple languages)
June 21, 2021 – Key OSHA standards for COVID-19
June 14, 2021 – Guidance for Healthcare Workers about COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Testing
June 2, 2021 – Ventilation
April 26, 2021 – COVID-19-Clinical-Training-and-Resources-for-HCPs
March 31, 2021 – Information for Healthcare Professionals
March 25, 2021 – FDA FAQ on Testing for SARS-CoV-2
September 3, 2020 – Understanding Compliance with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
June 30, 2020 – Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or Persons Under Investigation for 2019-nCoV in Healthcare Settings
April 28, 2020 – LTC Mini Webinar: Sparkling Surfaces: Stop COVID-19’s Spread
April 27, 2020 – CDC COVID-19 Prevention Messages for Front Line Long-Term Care Staff: Keep COVID-19 Out!
April 27, 2020 – CDC COVID-19 Prevention Messages for Front Line Long-Term Care Staff: Clean Hands – Combat COVID-19
April 1, 2020 – Emergency Preparedness: Caring for persons living with dementia in a long-term or community-based care setting– Alzheimer’s Association
Handwashing Video Library
Nursing Home Infection Preventionist Training Course – (Developed with CMS)
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Long Term Care (LTC) Infection Control Worksheet – LTC Facility Self-Assessment Tool
Emergency Preparedness Webpage

Vaccination

January 6, 2023 – AMDA Vaccination Toolkit
January 6, 2023 – Why Long Term Care Residents should get the COVID-19 Bivalent Booster Handout by AHCA
December 9, 2022 – COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People
December 9, 2022 – COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot
December 9, 2022 – About mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines
December 6, 2022 – COVID-19 Vaccines for People with Underlying Medical Conditions
November 18, 2022 – COVID-19 Vaccines for Long-Term Care Facility Residents
November 18, 2022 – Importance of COVID-19 Vaccination for Residents of Long-term Care Facilities
November 1, 2022 – Overview of COVID-19 Vaccines
October 13, 2022 – Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination
September 27, 2022 – Myocarditis and Pericarditis Following mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination
September 23, 2022 – CDC Post-Vaccine Considerations for Residents
September 16, 2022 – Understanding Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines
September 16, 2022 – Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines
September 16, 2022 – Understanding Protein Subunit COVID-19 Vaccines
September 15, 2022 – COVID-19 Vaccination for Essential Workers
September 15, 2022 – Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
September 14, 2022 – Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
September 2, 2022 – Interim Considerations: Preparing for the Potential Management of Anaphylaxis after COVID-19 Vaccination
September 1, 2022 – CDC Recommends the First Updated COVID-19 Booster
July 20, 2022 – COVID-19 Vaccines and Severe Allergic Reactions
July 14, 2022 – COVID-19 Vaccines for People Who Would Like to Have a Baby
July 6, 2022 – COVID-19 BOOSTER SHOTS: 13 Common Questions & Answers Based on the Latest Data
June 23, 2022 – COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness
March 29, 2022 – CDC Recommends Additional Boosters for Certain Individuals
January 25, 2022 – COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Requirements Decision Tree Graphic (PDF)
January 19, 2022 – COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Requirements Infographic (PDF)
December 21, 2021 – COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkits
December 11, 2021 – Communication Resources for COVID-19 Vaccines
November 22, 2021 – How to Request a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic On-Site or in a Retail Pharmacy Location | CDC
October 26, 2021 – Long-term Care Administrators and Managers: Options for Coordinating Access to COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC
September 14, 2021 – How Jurisdictions Can Ensure COVID-19 Vaccine Access for Staff and Residents in Long-term Care Settings
September 14, 2021 – Social Media Toolkit: COVID-19 Vaccinations
March 29, 2021 – CDC Real-World Study Confirms Protective Benefits of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines
March 26, 2021 – Vaccines
March 24, 2021 – COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar Series
March 24, 2021 – Real-World COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness in Healthcare Workers
March 24, 2021 – Vaccinating Dialysis Patients and Healthcare Personnel
March 12, 2021 – COVID-19 Vaccine Training Module for Healthcare Providers
March 2, 2021 – Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) Questions
March 1, 2021 – Building Confidence in COVID-19 Vaccines
February 26, 2021 – COVID-19 vaccination website for healthcare professionals
February 22, 2021 – Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine webpage
January 22, 2021 – COVID-19 Janssen Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients
January 13, 2021 – VAERS – FAQs on what to report

Regulations/Survey

November 27, 2022 – COVID-19 Nursing Home Data
October 13, 2022 – List of Blanket Waivers (PDF)
August 16, 2022 – Frequently Asked Questions to Assist Medicare Providers (PDF)
May 6, 2022 – Toolkit for States to Mitigate COVID-19 in Nursing Homes (PDF)
March 10, 2022 – Nursing Home Visitation FAQ (PDF)
September 8, 2021 – Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) Response to the Public Health Emergency on the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
March 26, 2021 – Facility Guide to Using the COVID-19 Module
November 10, 2020 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), CLIA Guidance During the COVID-19 Emergency (PDF)
November 10, 2020 – Medicare Monoclonal Antibody COVID-19 Infusion Program Instruction (PDF)
August 31, 2020 – Guidance for PREP Act Coverage for COVID-19 Screening Tests at Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Long-Term-Care Facilities and other Congregate Facilities
July 30, 2020 – CMS and CDC announce provider reimbursement available for counseling patients to self-isolate at time of COVID-19 testing
July 29, 2020 – Guidance to COVID-19 Module Data Entry Screen (PDF)
July 17, 2020 – Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Provider Burden Relief Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
July 2, 2020 – How to Use NHSN LTCF COVID-19 Module Dashboard for Group Users
July 2, 2020 – How to Use NHSN LTCF COVID-19 Module Dashboard for Facility Users
July 2, 2020 – Guidance to Understanding Auto-populated Fields
June 19, 2020 – Fiscal Year 2020 CARES Act Information
June 11, 2020 – FAQs about COVID-19 Data Published by CMS
June 11, 2020 – Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF) COVID-19 Data Quality Webinar
March 27, 2020 – Long-Term Care Nursing Homes Telehealth and Telemedicine Tool Kit
March 27, 2020 – COVID-19 LTC-Surveyor Training

QSO Memos

November 11, 2022 – The Importance of Timely Use of COVID-19 Therapeutics
October 26, 2022 – Revised Guidance for Staff Vaccination Requirements
October 7, 2022 – CMS Rescinds December 7, 2020, Enforcement Discretion for the Use of SARSCoV-2 Tests on Asymptomatic Individuals Outside of the Test’s Instructions for Use (RESCINDED)
September 23, 2022 – CMS Memorandum QSO-20-38-NH Interim Final Rule (IFC), CMS-3401-IFC, Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency related to Long-Term Care (LTC) Facility Testing Requirements
September 23, 2022 – CMS memorandum QSO-20-39- Nursing Home Visitation COVID-19
August 29, 2022 – QSO-22-15-NH & NLYC & LSC Update to COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for Specific Providers
April 5, 2022 – QSO-22-11-ALL Revised Guidance for the Interim Final Rule – Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination
April 5, 2022 – QSO-22-09-ALL Revised Guidance for the Interim Final Rule – Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination
April 5, 2022 – QSO-22-07-ALL Revised Guidance for the Interim Final Rule – Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination
January 25, 2022 – QSO-22-10-ALL Vaccination Expectations for Surveyors Performing Federal Oversight (PDF)
January 20, 2022 – Long-Term Care and Skilled Nursing Facility Attachment A Revised
September 28, 2021 – QSO-20-41-ALL Guidance related to the Emergency Preparedness Testing Exercise Requirements- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Exercise Exemption based on a Facility’s Activation of their Emergency Plan
March 20, 2021 – QSO-20-20-ALL Prioritization of Survey Activities
March 10, 2021 – QSO-20-14-NH (REVISED) Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019
March 10, 2021 – QSO-20-28-NH Nursing Home Five Start Quality Rating System updates, Nursing Home Staff Counts, Frequently Asked Questions and Access to Ombudsman (REVISED)
January 4, 2021 – QSO-20-31-ALL COVID-19 Survey Activities, CARES Act Funding, Enhanced Enforcement for Infection Control deficiencies, and Quality Improvement Activities in Nursing Homes
September 28, 2020 – QSO-20-30-NH Nursing Home Reopening Recommendations for State and Local Officials
August 26, 2020 – QSO-20-37 Interim final rule, Updating Requirements for Reporting of SARS-CoV-2 Test Results by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) Laboratories, and Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
August 17, 2020 – QSO-20-35-ALL Enforcement Cases Held during the Prioritization Period and Revised Survey Prioritization
June 25, 2020 – QSO-20-34-NH Changes to Staffing Information and Quality Measures Posted on the Nursing Home Compare Website and Five Star Quality Rating System due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
June 4, 2020 – QSO-20-32-NH Release of COVID-19 Nursing Home Data
June 4, 2020 – QSO-20-23-NH Posting of Nursing Home Inspections
May 6, 2020 – QSO-20-29-NH Interim final Rue Updating Requirements for Notification of COVID-19 Among Residents and Staff in Nursing Homes
April 19, 2020 – QSO-20-26-NH Upcoming Requirement for Notification of COVID-19 Among Residents and Staff in Nursing Homes
April 13, 2020 – QSO-20-25-NH 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Lont-Term Care Facility Transfer Scenarios
March 10, 2020 – QSO-20-17-ALL Guidance for use of Certain Industrial Respirators by Health Care Personnel
March 4, 2020 – QSO-20-14-NH Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019
March 4, 2020 – QSO-20-12-ALL Suspension of survey Activities

Supplies/PPE

September 9, 2022 – Improve How Your Mask Protects You
March 15, 2022 – Free N95 Respirator Manufacturers
September 16, 2021 – Strategies for Optimizing Supply of N95 Respirators
September 13, 2021 – Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of Eye Protection
August 12, 2021 – Use of Masks to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
April 26, 2021 – Safe and Proper Sharps Disposal During the COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Campaign
March 30, 2021 – Strategies for Sharps Disposal Container Use During Supply Shortages
March 24, 2021 – CDC Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Burn Rate Calculator
March 8, 2021 – Sample universal mask policy and FAQs
February 19, 2021 – Maximizing Fit for Cloth and Medical Procedure Masks to Improve Performance and Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Exposure, 2021
January 21, 2021 – Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of Isolation Gowns
December 29, 2020 – Summary for Healthcare Facilities: Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of PPE during Shortages
December 23, 2020 – Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of Disposable Medical Gloves
November 23, 2020 – Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of Facemasks
September 16, 2020 – N95 and Other Respirators
July 16, 2020 – Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of PPE
April 27, 2020 – CDC COVID-19 Prevention Messages for Front Line Long-Term Care Staff: PPE Lessons
March 17, 2020 – New coronavirus stable for hours on surfaces
Sequence for Putting on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Billing/MDS

August 16, 2022 – Frequently Asked Questions to Assist Medicare Providers (PDF)
March 9, 2022 – Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (PDF)
September 15, 2021 – COVID-19 Vaccine Related Codes
September 8, 2021 – COVID-19: Using the CR Modifier and DR Condition Code
December 9, 2020 – Coverage of Monoclonal Antibody Products to Treat COVID-19 (PDF)
October 8, 2020 – Expansion Of The Accelerated And Advance Payments Program For Providers And Suppliers During COVID-19 Emergency
August 24, 2020 – Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services Informational Bulletin for Medicaid Reimbursement Strategies
July 24, 2020 – SNF QRP COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Tip Sheet
March 27, 2020 – Guidance memo – Exceptions and Extensions for Quality Reporting and Value-based Purchasing Programs (PDF)
March 27, 2020 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Guidance on Payment and Grace Periods, Telehealth for Private Coverage, and Prescription Drugs
March 23, 2020 – Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19 Medicare

Resident Care

December 5, 2022 – Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with High Risk for Severe COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Providers
November 23, 2022 – Clinical Care Guidance for Healthcare Professionals about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
November 23, 2022 – Clinical Care Guidance
September 26, 2022 – Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
July 15, 2022 – Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
March 16, 2022 – Clinical Care Quick Reference for COVID-19
July 17, 2020 – CDC COVID-19 Prevention Messages for Front Line LTC Staff: Closely Monitor Residents for COVID-19
April 14, 2020 – Managing Acute Respiratory Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Advance Care Plan Tool
April 10, 2020 – CPR Guidance During the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 5, 2020 – Symptom Management Support for COVID-19 in the Nursing Home
April 1, 2020 – Emergency Preparedness: Caring for persons living with dementia in a long-term or community-based care setting

Workforce Planning

September 23, 2022 – Strategies to Mitigate Healthcare Personnel Staffing Shortages
May 14, 2020 – COVID-19 Guidance for Nursing Home and Long Term Care Facility Workers

Crisis Communication

September 14, 2021 – Communication Resources

Staff Wellness

January 22, 2021 – Coping with Stress
April 14, 2020 – Self-Care Resources from The Foundation for PALTC Medicine
March 18, 2020 – Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
March 15, 2020 – Strategies for Mitigating the Emotional Impact of COVID-19
Mini Modules to Relieve Stress For Healthcare Workers Responding to COVID-19: Stress Management Exercise

Other COVID-19 Resources

March 22, 2021 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Partner
September 18, 2020 – Coronavirus Commission on Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes Report
September 18, 2020 – Trump Administration Actions and Commission Recommendations Response
March 18, 2020 – FAQs on Catastrophic Plan Coverage and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)