DOL Defines Healthcare Providers Who Can Be Excluded From The FFCRA

Angie SzumlinskiNews

On Saturday March 28, 2020 the Dept. of Labor issued guidance on the definition of health care provider who can be excluded from paid sick leave and the FMLA expansion under the FFCRA. Essentially anyone who works in health care can be excluded, the Guidance states as follows: A healthcare provider is anyone employed at any doctor’s office, hospital, healthcare …

Don’t Forget the Documentation!

Angie SzumlinskiCompliance

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of our lives. For long term care providers, this has affected day-to-day operations in a way that could almost never have been imagined. “Care over paper” is the trend today however from a regulatory perspective as well as a liability perspective, it is critically important that we maintain accurate, timely documentation on what …

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services logo

CMS Request for 1135 Medicaid Waivers

Angie SzumlinskiNews

On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation a national emergency. This bold action enables the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to waive certain requirements in Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP under Section 1135 emergency Authority. CMS may grant state and territorial Medicaid agencies a wider range of flexibilities and states may now submit Section …

Complying with ADA During COVID-19

Angie SzumlinskiNews

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued a press release on March 19, 2020 “What You Should Know About the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19.”  The summary covers some common employer questions about what they can do during a pandemic such as COVID-19 without violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Rehabilitation Act. During a pandemic, employees may: …

Coronavirus

COVID-19 New Symptoms: BE AWARE!

Angie SzumlinskiNews

The CDC just released two new symptoms to be alert to when assessing for COVID-19. New cases of COVID-19 were identified where the only symptoms were the loss of the sense of smell and taste. These new symptoms are troubling in that these symptoms have not mirrored the typical presentation of cough, elevated body temperature, sore throat, etc. We have …

Coronavirus

Not “if” but “when”…

Angie SzumlinskiNews

As COVID-19 spreads, it’s clear that we need a plan for how we will communicate with the outside… not if, but when it strikes. The toolkit includes a checklist of who to contact when you have a confirmed case of COVID-19, a sample letter you can customize to send to family and friends, and a sample press release. Visit our …

Corona Virus - Microbiology And Virology Concept - 3d Rendering

GI Symptoms – COVID-19

Angie SzumlinskiNews

According to a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, nearly half of patients affected with the COVID-19 virus present with digestive problems. This is new information that was not evident even a few weeks ago and can have a direct impact on how quickly we identify residents affected. The study showed that patients affected with GI symptoms were …

Coronavirus

Assisted Living – Be Aware!

Angie SzumlinskiNews

As we navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic it is important to remember that the CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of infection apply to all senior care providers, skilled, assisted and independent. Seniors are the highest risk for a negative outcome related to this virus and all steps should be taken to protect them. This includes avoiding large groups, providing in-room dining, limiting/restricting non-essential visitors, etc. …

Corona Virus - Microbiology And Virology Concept - 3d Rendering

COVID-19 and Hospice

Angie SzumlinskiNews

With the CoronaVirus paralyzing the country, we have many opportunities to assist in preventing the spread of infection. CMS and the CDC have recommended limiting visitation to “essential” visitors only. When we talk about “essential” that could mean something different to different people however in a nutshell, “if this person doesn’t come in, will you be unable to meet the …

Corona Virus - Microbiology And Virology Concept - 3d Rendering

3 Day Stay – Waiver!

Angie SzumlinskiNews

As we all maneuver through the COVID-19 crisis, the Federal government has granted a waiver that allows patients to be admitted to skilled nursing facilities without the mandatory 3-day hospital stay. This waiver is tremendously helpful as it also includes the ability to admit directly from home, the ER, assisted living, etc. The waiver outlines the requirements including exemption from …