| Upcoming Webinars - Understanding Changes in COVID-19 Vaccine Reporting Starting April 1 | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Upcoming-Webinars---Understanding-Changes-in-COVID-19-Vaccine-Reporting-Starting-April-1.aspx | Upcoming Webinars - Understanding Changes in COVID-19 Vaccine Reporting Starting April 1 | | | | | 3/26/2024 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:arial, sans-serif;color:gray;">The National Healthcare
Safety Network (NHSN) will host a webinar on <strong><a href="https://cl.exct.net/?qs=a41e259210af6b9767ff9c3c1465d74ab2e9a0402f72d34f49b26aaa393b8feb803af121f94959d026b59ca97537d3917598f09ac76c67c0" title="Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. ET" data-linkto="https://" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span style="color:#046498;">Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. ET</span></a></strong>,
providing an overview of important updates to the definition of long term care
reporting for COVID-19 vaccines. If you are unable to attend the webinar on
March 27, there is an opportunity to register for a second session that will
cover the same topics on <strong><a href="https://cl.exct.net/?qs=a41e259210af6b9766d2d93f1b0dd709fab3346b49feef05bea6619149c343ebf56b63d2fae0bb340197a8a8f0cad1f33e30779c1fb0fce0" title="Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. ET" data-linkto="https://" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span style="color:#046498;">Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. ET</span></a></strong>.
Advance registration is required to receive an email confirmation with the
webinar details.<br>
<br>
As <a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Upcoming-Change-to-NHSN-Up-to-Date-Definition-for-LTC-COVID-19-Vaccine-Reporting.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">previously announced</a>, starting Monday, April 1, the criteria for being
considered up to date with COVID-19 vaccine reporting will change. These
changes are in alignment with the latest recommendations from the Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. The adjustment ensures the most effective vaccine protection
for residents aged 65 years and older.<br>
<br>
</span></p><blockquote style="padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:40px;font-size:14.6667px;border:none;"><strong>Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET<br></strong><a href="https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN__F98eZSGSReD3vznNL2tzg#/registration" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Register in advance for this webinar</a>.<br>Hosted by NHSN</blockquote><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><blockquote style="padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:40px;font-size:14.6667px;border:none;"><strong>Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET<br></strong><a href="https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_rjHZrnezSaqzTUzZ0jagxQ#/registration" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Register in advance for this webinar</a>.<br>Hosted by NHSN</blockquote><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><strong style="font-size:14.6667px;">Questions</strong><div style="font-size:14.6667px;"><strong></strong>For faster response times, please use NHSN-ServiceNow portal to submit questions to the NHSN Help Desk. The new portal can be accessed <a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h8939affc%2c1b792689%2c1b793288&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18yMTQ0LURNMTI0NjQxJkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9VXBjb21pbmclMjBOSFNOJTIwVHJhaW5pbmdzJTIwZm9yJTIwTG9uZy10ZXJtJTIwQ2FyZSUyMEZhY2lsaXRpZXMlM0ElMjBDaGFuZ2VzJTIwdG8lMjBEZWZpbml0aW9uJTIwb2YlMjBVcCUyMHRvJTIwRGF0ZSUyMHdpdGglMjBDT1ZJRC0xOSUyMFZhY2NpbmVzJTIw&s=kEbv8PDY6WqIhaCN9qUy255PflLAM443JeJfU90pzjo" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">here</a> and should be used in place of <a href="mailto:%20nhsn@cdc.gov" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">nhsn@cdc.gov</a>, <a href="mailto:%20nhsntrain@cdc.gov" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">nhsntrain@cdc.gov</a>, and <a href="mailto:%20nhsndua@cdc.gov" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">nhsndua@cdc.gov</a>. </div><div style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></div><div style="font-size:14.6667px;">ServiceNow will help the NHSN team respond to your questions faster. Users will be authenticated using CDC's Secure Access Management Services (SAMS), the same way you access NHSN. If you do not have a SAMS login, or are unable to access ServiceNow, you can still e-mail the NHSN Help Desk at <a href="mailto:%20nhsn@cdc.gov" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">nhsn@cdc.gov</a>.<br></div><p><br></p><h3 style="font-weight:bold;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:#046498;font-size:20px;line-height:1;"><strong>#GetVaccinated</strong></h3><div style="font-size:14.6667px;">Help Protect Residents and Staff From Respiratory Viruses. Visit <a data-linkto="https://" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" title="GetVaccinated.us" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">GetVaccinated.us</a> to Access AHCA/NCAL Resources and Templates.<br></div><div style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></div><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div style="font-size:14.6667px;"><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div style="font-size:14.6667px;"><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Upcoming-Webinars---Understanding-Changes-in-COVID-19-Vaccine-Reporting-Starting-April-1/Social%20Graphic%205.png" alt="Social Graphic 5.png" style="margin:5px;width:500px;height:262px;" /> </div></blockquote> </div></blockquote><p><br></p> | | |
| Upcoming Change to NHSN Up to Date Definition for LTC COVID-19 Vaccine Reporting | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Upcoming-Change-to-NHSN-Up-to-Date-Definition-for-LTC-COVID-19-Vaccine-Reporting.aspx | Upcoming Change to NHSN Up to Date Definition for LTC COVID-19 Vaccine Reporting | | | | | 3/19/2024 4:00:00 AM | | The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) is changing the definition of "up to date" for COVID-19 vaccine reporting in long term care (LTC) beginning Quarter 2 of 2024 (week of April 1, 2024). This change, which reflects the <a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/New-COVID-19-Vaccine-Recommendations-for-Older-Adults.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">latest guidance</a> from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to ensure the most effective vaccine protection for individuals, especially those aged 65 years and older.<br><br><strong>Key Points </strong><br><ul><li>The ACIP and CDC provided <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s-0228-covid.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">new recommendations</a> of COVID-19 vaccines for individuals aged 65 years and older. </li><li>Those 65 and older are now considered up to date when they have received 2 doses of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine, or 1 dose of the updated vaccine in the past 4 months. For individuals under 65 years, there is no change; they are up to date with 1 dose of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine since its approval in September 2023. </li><li>The updated definition applies to both the NHSN Weekly HCP and Resident Vaccination Forms. </li><li>These changes will be implemented at the beginning of Quarter 2 of 2024 (week of April 1, 2024). </li></ul><strong>Data Reporting in Quarter 2 of 2024</strong><br><ul><li>Residents and health care personnel aged 65 and older should ONLY be counted as up to date after receiving a second dose of the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine or if they have received 1 dose in the past 4 months. <br></li><li>Avoid over-reporting: Residents aged 65 and older who have received only 1 dose of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine more than 4 months ago should NOT be counted as up to date. <br></li><li>Continue to count residents and health care personnel under 65 as up to date with 1 dose of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine.</li></ul><strong>Upcoming Training Webinars</strong><br>The NHSN Vaccination team will host two webinars to detail these changes to the surveillance definition of being up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Both webinars cover the same information. After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the webinar. <br><br><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><strong>Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET<br></strong><a href="https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN__F98eZSGSReD3vznNL2tzg#/registration" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Register in advance for this webinar</a>.<br>Hosted by NHSN</blockquote><br><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><strong>Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET<br></strong><a href="https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_rjHZrnezSaqzTUzZ0jagxQ#/registration" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Register in advance for this webinar</a>.<br>Hosted by NHSN</blockquote><br><strong>Questions</strong><div><strong></strong>For faster response times, please use NHSN-ServiceNow portal to submit questions to the NHSN Help Desk. The new portal can be accessed <a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h8939affc%2c1b792689%2c1b793288&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18yMTQ0LURNMTI0NjQxJkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9VXBjb21pbmclMjBOSFNOJTIwVHJhaW5pbmdzJTIwZm9yJTIwTG9uZy10ZXJtJTIwQ2FyZSUyMEZhY2lsaXRpZXMlM0ElMjBDaGFuZ2VzJTIwdG8lMjBEZWZpbml0aW9uJTIwb2YlMjBVcCUyMHRvJTIwRGF0ZSUyMHdpdGglMjBDT1ZJRC0xOSUyMFZhY2NpbmVzJTIw&s=kEbv8PDY6WqIhaCN9qUy255PflLAM443JeJfU90pzjo" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">here</a> and should be used in place of <a href="mailto:%20nhsn@cdc.gov" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">nhsn@cdc.gov</a>, <a href="mailto:%20nhsntrain@cdc.gov" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">nhsntrain@cdc.gov</a>, and <a href="mailto:%20nhsndua@cdc.gov" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">nhsndua@cdc.gov</a>. </div><div><br></div><div>ServiceNow will help the NHSN team respond to your questions faster. Users will be authenticated using CDC's Secure Access Management Services (SAMS), the same way you access NHSN. If you do not have a SAMS login, or are unable to access ServiceNow, you can still e-mail the NHSN Help Desk at <a href="mailto:%20nhsn@cdc.gov" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">nhsn@cdc.gov</a>.<br></div><p><br></p><h3 style="color:#046498;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;line-height:1;"><strong>#GetVaccinated</strong></h3><div>Help Protect Residents and Staff From Respiratory Viruses. Visit <a data-linkto="https://" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" title="GetVaccinated.us" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">GetVaccinated.us</a> to Access AHCA/NCAL Resources and Templates.<br></div><div><strong><br></strong></div><div style="text-align:left;"><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Upcoming-Change-to-NHSN-Up-to-Date-Definition-for-LTC-COVID-19-Vaccine-Reporting/Social%20Graphic%203.png" alt="Social Graphic 3.png" style="margin:5px;" /><br></div><p><br></p> | | |
| Current CDC and CMS Expectations Regarding COVID-19 Infection Control | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Current-CDC-and-CMS-Expectations-Regarding-COVID-19-Infection-Control-.aspx | Current CDC and CMS Expectations Regarding COVID-19 Infection Control | | | | | 3/19/2024 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced new <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0301-respiratory-virus.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">simplified respiratory virus recommendations</a> for the general public. <a href="https://s1.view.sfmc-marketing.com/view_email.aspx?qs=e357bdd1a82a18f50f4378444608445b5cb7b8892d4baab421a7b3eb806168dcf03cf1c3aec4b6b631cf7762678688be63502635112d62d69e81c6541257068146bcc1ac8141db4126332b09123d941ea92f864ac43397f4" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">AHCA/NCAL clarified</a> that these recommendations do not apply to most health care settings, including nursing homes. <strong>However, they may apply to assisted living (AL) providers based on the level of care provided in the community. </strong>NCAL published <a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CDC-Updates-Respiratory-Virus-Recommendations-for-AL-Communities.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">additional information</a> to help AL communities determine which guidance to follow. </div><div> </div><div>Nursing homes are currently required at §483.80 of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) <a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/provider-enrollment-and-certification/guidanceforlawsandregulations/downloads/appendix-pp-state-operations-manual.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">State Operations Manual</a> to follow the CDC’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html?cm_ven=ExactTarget&cm_cat=CDC+Updates+Respiratory+Virus+Guidance&cm_pla=Mark%27s+Memos+2024+Marketing+List&cm_ite=COVID-19&cm_lm=1232373369&cm_ainfo=&&&&&" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Healthcare</a>. Nursing homes must also follow the return to work guidance for health care personnel outlined in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-risk-assesment-hcp.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Interim Guidance for Managing Healthcare Personnel with COVID-19 Infection or Exposure</a>. </div><div> </div><div>Nursing homes are not required to follow separate testing guidance; this requirement was rescinded by CMS through <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-38-nh.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">QSO-20-38</a>. </div><div> </div><div>Providers should also refer to their state or local health department for any additional guidance and/or requirements that may be in place. </div><div> </div><div>Please email <a href="mailto:covid19@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">covid19@ahca.org</a> with any questions. <br></div><p></p> | Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new simplified respiratory virus recommendations for the general public. | |
| New Fact Sheet: Medicare Billing for Respiratory Vaccines in SNF | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/New-Fact-Sheet-Medicare-Billing-for-Respiratory-Vaccines-in-SNF-.aspx | New Fact Sheet: Medicare Billing for Respiratory Vaccines in SNF | | | | | 3/13/2024 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>After many discussions between AHCA/NCAL and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) about the confusing payment policies associated with administering preventive vaccines to short- and long term residents in nursing facilities, CMS has issued a concise and helpful <a href="/Quality/Documents/GetVaccinated/CMS%20Billing%20Guidance%20for%20Vaccines%20in%20LTC.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">fact sheet</a> that addresses several complex billing scenarios. </div><div> </div><div>The two-page fact sheet explains how Medicare pays for Part B or Part D covered preventive vaccines administered during a patient’s stay in a nursing home. Vaccine payment depends on the type of vaccine and whether the patient is using their Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Part A benefit, including scenarios where the resident is also receiving Medicare hospice benefits. This document doesn’t cover vaccine payment by Medicare managed care, Medicaid, or commercial insurance. </div><div> </div><div>The document specifically discusses billing and payment responsibilities associated with the Part D respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines, and Part B flu, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccines. Links to CMS updates to the price and billing codes for the vaccines each year and more information are provided at the end of the document. </div><div> </div><div>AHCA/NCAL recommends that providers share with billing staff, pharmacies, and residents as applicable as it may help clarify who is responsible for submitting the Part B or Part D claims in specific scenarios. <br><br></div><p></p> | After many discussions between AHCA/NCAL and CMS about the confusing payment policies associated with administering preventive vaccines to short- and long term residents in nursing facilities, CMS has issued a concise and helpful fact sheet.
| |