The Centers for Disease Control is hosting training webinars for providers this week Monday and Tuesday on the COVID-19 impact on residents and staff and what facilities can do. For details, go to CDC NHSN website.

Since first being reported as a significant health problem in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, COVID-19 has since spread in every direction, leading the World Health Organization to officially label the incurable virus a pandemic in March 2020.

Providers need to have a plan in place to isolate residents who test positive and follow guidance from CDC for staff who test positive.

PPE shortages due to a spike in worldwide demand, not enough supply, and a drawdown of U.S. federal and state emergency supplies to hospitals and others.

It’s a simple formula for how spread happens—the more interactions that happen with a variety of people, the greater the chance of spread, association says.

​For those who manage or operate SNFs, the work they do can often feel like juggling five bowling balls and spinning 20 plates.

To help address staffing shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS is waiving the requirements that SNFs can’t employ anyone for longer than four months unless they meet certain training requirements.

The videos are designed to give long term and post-acute care providers a national update straight from association leader Mark Parkinson and answer frequently asked provider questions.

Certain Medicare beneficiaries classified as being in observation status at hospitals and not admitted as inpatients can appeal this designation to the Medicare program.

Surveyors won’t be allowed to enter buildings for any type of survey if they are unable to meet the latest CDC guidance on Personal Protective Equipment expectations.