COVID-19 Updates and Resources

LeadingAge Maryland is working to continually review and share timely information related to COVID-19. We are in daily contact with the Maryland Department of Health and other state-level stakeholders, and will continue to post and email emergent updates and information.

Our Sense of Purpose has Never Been Stronger - COVID-19 is not going to stop us
We are working to continually tell the story of the incredible work members are doing each and every day. Together with our colleagues at LifeSpan and HFAM, and with the many sponsors who signed on to support this campaign, we have taken out a full page ad in the Baltimore Sun and Capital Gazette on Sunday, May 17 and Sunday, May 24. We invite you to share this widely - download the image here!

Funding Opportunity for Telehealth Through the Federal Communications Commission
A funding opportunity is available from the FCC to health care providers, including skilled nursing facilities, to enable them to provide telehealth care for residents. Learn more about eligibility and application guidelines. 

The Maryland COVID-19 Crisis Support Program is a new program that provides free, confidential mental health support to employees of Maryland's long-term health care facilities impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Free services include: counseling, self-care and stress management education, management consultation focused on building employee morale, group support for teams/shifts, group critical incident debriefings on specific traumatic events, bereavement coaching. 

Click here to receive support for yourself or your organization > 

If you have an urgent request please contact MIEMSS at 1-800-648-3001. For general inquiries email miemss.crisisresponse@maryland.gov. 

Reporting Reminder

Reports must be submitted by 11am, 7 days a week through CRISP. Failure to comply constitutes a deficient practice and could impose a CMP.   If you do not have access to the CRISP Unified Landing Page , please contact the CRISP Customer Care Team and request access to "Post Acute Capacity" at 1.877.952.7477 or email support@crisphealth.org .  If you have questions, please contact William Hokemeyer at 410-596-8205 or at  William.hokemeyer@crisphealth.org .  

• Facilities must enroll in NHSN - View the instructions for enrollment here
• Facilities may enter their own data if they choose
• MDH is also uploading data from CRISP into NHSN for facilities who choose to use this option
• 1st data set was submitted on May 16th 

***Reminder - How to allow MDH to upload  your data*** 

Grant access to the MDH group

1. Group Number: 44030
2. Password: DHMH
3. Make sure you enter your CCN ID number correctly into CRISP and NHSN
4. Check your data the first couple of days - There are still some glitches in the process

Questions? Let MDH know if your data is wrong, or did not upload, email mdh.ipcovid@maryland.gov. If you have an NHSN question, email nhsn@cdc.gov for assistance.

Staffing - Reminder to register with the Chesapeake Registry

Nursing home facilities in Maryland are required by the state to register with the Chesapeake Registry Program. A signed contract is not required to register; it's necessary only to request staff. Email COVIDStaffing@mhaonline.org and request to be registered per the governor's executive order. The facility will need to provide the name, address and point of contact.

Apply for CMP Funds to Support Communications
CMS has developed this application template for requests for the use of CMP funds to provide residents with adaptive communicative technologies. Applicants must submit this application to the applicable state agency. If you have any additional questions, please contact our Grant Administrator: Shaliek Maxwell at:  shaliek.maxwell-west@maryland.gov for additional questions. Send the completed application to:  hcqa.grants@maryland.gov. 

CNA Relief Fund 
The CNA COVID-19 Relief Fund is meant to assist CNAs and ALCs who are working on the front lines. NAHCA is attempting to help as many CNAs/ALCs as possible. Applicants must be a Certified Nursing Assistant or Assisted Living Caregiver witha current license in good standing. Learn more and apply here.

PPE Partnership with LifeSpan

Hand sanitizer: Do you need it? LifeSpan is working to acquire a quantity of hand sanitizer to be made available for free. Would you be interested in some? If so, please answer these 3 short questions so we know how much would be needed.

Gowns, shoe covers, masks - LifeSpan has access to this PPE and more. Contact apbeacon@lifespan-network.org for information or to order.

PPP Survey - Please click here to complete this short, 5-question survey now!
LeadingAge is looking to gauge whether members are accessing these loans and which member types are doing so more than others. We are also using this to gather stories both from those who have and have not received PPP loans to support advocacy efforts in this area.

FREE LeadingAge National Job Postings
Members should post jobs of all kinds (including temporary positions and those that do not require certification). Read more about the displaced worker partnership between LeadingAge and major national employers and learn how to post jobs for free here.

PPE Requesting Process

• Process for requesting materials
• Form to request materials
• OEMS contacts for each county

Visit our COVID-19 Resources Page

CRISP reporting portal

Congress needs to provide immediate relief, but won’t take action unless they hear stories from providers about the issues they are facing during the pandemic.

Be sure to use @Act4OlderLives and #LeadingAgeVoice in your posts.

Contact Congress Now >

Learn More >

Helping you encourage and support your staff -- the heroes in our field.

LeadingAge has designed a collection of appreciation materials and negotiated a discount with Vistaprint.

Learn More >

July 22 at 2PM  |   More Info >

Reimagining Your Workforce
Presented by Silver Sponsor, CLA
July 15 - Show Me the Money
August 12 - Review, Adjust and Grow
September 9 - Create Workforce Opportunities
June 17 (Recording) - Return to Work
More Info >

CMS Calls

Call recordings and transcripts are posted on the CMS podcast page.

 Office Hours - Tuesdays 5-6PM
July 7 - Webcast Link OR Dial 833-614-0820, Code 3048844

National Nursing Home Training Series (through QIO and CMS) - Thursdays 4-5PM

July 9 - Managing Staffing Challenges: Mission Impossible?
Advance Registration Required
View upcoming sessions and/or register for all sessions here.
View Recordings, Slides & Resources

 Medicare Part A Cost Report: New Online Status Tracking Feature Call

Thursday, July 9 at 1-2:30PM | Register Here >

Home Health & Hospice - every other Tuesday 3-3:30
July 7 - Webcast Link OR Dial 833-614-0820, Code 9480618

Nursing Homes - every other Wednesday 4:30-5:00
July 8 - Webcast Link OR Dial 833-614-0820, Code 2997138

Nurses - every other Thursday 3-3:30
July 9 - Webcast Link OR Dial 833-614-0820, Code 9386539

MDH Calls

MDH Guidance on Re-Opening - Virtual Town Hall - View the recording from June 23

MDH Weekly Update - View the slides from July 9

LeadingAge national COVID-19 Calls
Weekday Daily Updates at 3:30PM
Register Here >

Housing Advisory Group
Mondays at 12:30PM
If you're not signed up for the Housing Advisory Group, but would like to be, please email lcouch@leadingage.org

Maryland

On July 9, MDH weekly update call recording

On July 2, MDH FAQ on guidance for relaxation of restrictions in nursing homes

On July 2, MDH weekly update call recording

On June 26, MDH releases orders, guidance for Assisted Living providers -  directive and order regarding assisted living matters and guidance on relaxation of restrictions

On June 25, MDH memo on second round of nursing home testing

On June 23, MDH held a town hall on relaxation of restrictions in nursing homes - view the recording here, a summary of the call is available here

On June 19, MDH issued guidance for outdoor visits at assisted living facilities - of note, we have received clarification that the guidance for outdoor visitations at assisted living facilities has been amended to include that it is strongly recommended that there are no more than 2 visitors at a time per resident per visit

On June 19, MDH issues amended directive and order regarding nursing home matters - of note, all staff, volunteers and vendors who are in the facility regularly must be tested on a weekly basis. Facilities will be responsible for making the appropriate contractual and financial arrangements for the testing of these individuals. MDH will continue to provide support for testing of staff, volunteers and vendors until August 1 to allow facilities to make contractual arrangements.

On June 19, MDH issues amended directive and order regarding various healthcare matters

On June 18, MDH issued guidance on relaxation of restrictions for nursing homes - when and how outdoor visitation is allowable in nursing home settings 

On June 18, MDH weekly update call recording

Federal / Housing

On July 4, Paycheck Protection Loan application period extended to August 8

On July 1, Two bills with key housing provisions pass House

On June 30, HUD published plan for the $12.4B in CARES Act relief funding

On June 25, CMS announces changes to 5-star rating system; end of staffing submission waiver

On June 25, HHS clarifies provider relief Medicaid distribution application items in FAQ and webinar

On June 24, CMS issued FAQ on nursing home visitation

On June 22, New PPP rules provides updates on loan forgiveness processes

On June 19, CMS announced Medicare coverage of diagnostic testing of residents in nursing homes effective July 6 through the duration of the public health emergency

On June 19, CMS contractor MITRE announced members of the Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes - Jeannee Parker Martin, President and CEO of LeadingAge California is among the members as are several other LeadingAge members

On June 10, CMS released a FAQ for non-LTC facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICFs/IIDs)  - includes guidance on hospice staff access

On June 10, HHS announced its next round of Provider Relief Funding  - going out to Medicaid and CHIP providers through a time-limited application process vs automatic payment

On June 4, CMS released the first round of nursing home data - the data will be updated in 2 weeks and then weekly thereafter

On June 4, HHS updated PPP FAQ - clarity on eligible expenses and lost revenues

On June 3, CMS announced changes to CMMI models - changes impact bundled payment programs, accountable care organization models, and newer models such as Direct Contracting and Primary Care First

On June 3, the Senate passed the Paycheck Protection Program Modification Bill - previously passed by House on May 28, the bill would make it easier for current PPP borrowers to use the loans and receive forgiveness

On June 1, CMS announced enhanced survey activity and enforcement remedies related to infection control

On June 1, HHS publishes CARES Act Provider Relief Fund FAQs 

On May 28, the House passed a bill that would modify the PPP loans - extending application deadline, allowing funds to be used over a longer period, allowing more funds to be used for non-payroll costs. Read the article from LeadingAge. 

On May 26, HUD issued guidance on electronic signatures, electronic transmissions, and electronic storage of documents and forms 

LEADINGAGE MARYLAND NEWS Helping Staff Cope with Traumatic and Chronic Stress Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic This one hour webinar with Dr. Bill Mansbach is ideal for any health care professional working in aging services settings, including nursing homes, life plan communities, affordable senior housing, hospice, and others. Join us to learn practical strategies to improve your own coping, both now and later, and to learn how leaders and organizations can support mental wellness for their teams during this challenging time.   View the Recorded Webinar   Telehealth - Security, privacy and compliance around COVID-19 Telehealth policy Telework policy View the presentation slides   It's Ok To Be Human Whether we are stressed and overwhelmed because of our 'normal' daily lives, COVID19, or political and social unrest we forget that it is ok to be human. While many of us work to serve and support others we are as important as those whom we love and provide care.   View the Recorded Webinar   *New Dates & Going Virtual* 2020 Annual Conference - "Together " October 6-8 Registration and More Info Coming Soon We are very excited about all of the opportunities that our virtual conference will afford attendees, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors. The content will feature keynote presentations, educational programming, opportunities to visit our virtual exhibit space, and networking events scattered throughout. Another exciting change for this year is that we are hosting the 2020 Annual Conference in conjunction with LeadingAge DC which means a larger base of members to learn and share with!  There is no doubt that life looks different in 2020. However, you'll still find the exceptional educational content, forward thinking and thought provoking discussions, and opportunities to connect with peers at this year's event; just as you've come to look forward to at each of our annual conferences. Stay tuned -- in the coming weeks we'll be opening registration and sending more information regarding exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities.    Current exhibitors and those interested in learning more should plan to join us Wednesday, July 15 from 11:30-12:30 for our Virtual Exhibitor Information Session. The 2020 theme is "Together " We are a community of aging services professionals dedicated to one common purpose: advancing the lives of millions of elders in our collective care. Although we each play separate roles, we are able to accomplish more together than any of us could on our own. Join us as we explore together bold new strategies for propelling our field forward.  Send us your stories of "Togetherness " We'd like to share our members' stories of togetherness throughout our conference. Please send us any video, photos or other anecdotes demonstrating how your organization exemplifies the theme of "Together ". Send media to our Communications Manager, Deanne Bellin.

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