Federal health officials are expected to ask eldercare facilities to share more information about confirmed COVID-19 cases with staff, residents and families.
The Wall Street Journal on Sunday reported that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services could announce a recommendation – or possibly a requirement – this week. It is unclear whether the federal government will also collect the data and/or plan to release it publicly, according to the news outlet. The information comes from unnamed sources, it said.
Meanwhile, two major long-term care associations on Saturday urged providers to share all COVID-19-positive case data with state survey agencies and local health departments, along with residents, families and staff, McKnight’s Liza Berger reported.
The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, along with LeadingAge encouraged the move in an effort to help facilities procure desperately needed testing and personal protective equipment during the pandemic.
“We believe this information can help identify long-term care providers who are most in need of testing and PPE resources,” Mark Parkinson, CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, said in a statement.
